A new study by Remote, the company set up to simplify how companies employ global talent, has surveyed 10,000 individuals across five nations to reveal what employees value the most when it comes to ‘work perks’, and how these differ across locations, industries and generations.
4 in 5 Brits agree overtime pay is their most desired work perk
With the cost of living on the rise, it is no surprise that overtime pay (79%) topped the list of Brits’ more desired “work perk”. Flexible working hours (77%) and company-sponsored retirement plans (75%) followed in second and third place as some of the most popular employee benefits in the UK.
Work/life balance was a key theme reflected throughout the survey results as early finishes on Fridays (66%) and a 4-day work week (64%) also ranked in the five most desired ‘work perks’.
Gen Zs and Millennials value face-to-face team building more than any other generation
The survey also explored the opinions of those across five nations including the UK, US, France, Germany and The Netherlands, to uncover what individuals across different generations and industries value the most when it comes to ‘work perks’.
Continuing to uphold the tradition of in-person work events was a key priority amongst both Gen Zs and Millennials, as they were the generations which value in-person team-building events most (57%/59%). Wellbeing and mental health were also highly valued by these generations as they also favoured access to mental health coaching the most (58%).
Women in the workplace most interested in employee wellbeing packages allowing time off for mental health
Insights from the report indicate that the UK and the US, access to hours off work each month for mental health improvement is the most important employee wellness benefit for companies to offer. This hints at recognition that workplace culture and job design are all important when it comes to supporting colleagues’ wellbeing.
The report also suggests that with society’s focus on mental wellbeing more prevalent than ever, it is vital for employers to prioritise the mental health of their staff. They should also remove the blockages some employees may face in seeking support for mental health improvement, such as time restraints.
In France, Germany and the Netherlands, however, the report suggests employees see healthy food in the office, home deliveries or meal stipends as the most important. Therefore, employers of people in these regions should prioritise healthy food in their wellbeing packages.
You can view the full report here.
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