Some bosses offer their staff free work perks, such as a free food or extra days off. But would you take a pay cut to get benefits like these?ome bosses offer their staff free work perks, such as a free food or extra days off. But would you take a pay cut to get benefits like these?
There are a number of reasons to apply for one job over another. Factors such as the amount of time spent commuting, or opportunities to advance may factor but very often, prospective applicants will look for the work perks on the job specification.
Read on to discover how Brits feel about free work perks, as well as how benefits like these could affect your workforce.
Why do companies offer free perks?
Nowadays, it’s not enough for employers to simply offer a salary. Competition is rife for the best employees, and so there needs to be more incentive for people to want to go to work. That’s why bosses are now offering little perks to encourage new people to apply, while retaining their current staff.
Employees want to work somewhere that encourages fun while helping them to be more motivated and productive.
How many companies offer work perks?
A survey by Printerland.co.uk, revealed that a quarter of British workers would accept a lower salary in return for better ‘free perks’. The research also highlighted that 55% of UK workplaces currently offer work perks.
What benefits do people receive?
Work perks could mean a whole host of things, including a free company car, extra holidays, a lieu day for your birthday or unlimited cake and coffee. Some staff appreciate simply being able to wear casual clothes. Some companies offer staff cash incentives such as performance-related or Christmas bonuses.
Statistics showed that the most common perks currently offered are flexitime (51%), financial bonuses (50%), free food (32%), gadgets including mobiles and tablets (21%) and company cars (11%).
When asked what perks they would like, employees stated that Netflix subscriptions and event tickets were highest on their list (42%), followed by shopping discounts (35%), gym memberships (28%) and an on-site gym or crèche (25%).
How do people react to getting free perks at work?
Despite the attractiveness of work perks, 16% of those surveyed said that they didn’t want any additional employment benefits as they felt the cost of additional benefits would catch up with them in other areas.
In competitive jobs, in which employees are offered bonuses to reach targets, research has shown that overwork and all-nighters are bad for employees’ health and add to the risk of accidents and mistakes.
According to a survey by Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), 47% of businesses operating in the UK have awarded pay rises over the last 12 months to encourage their employees to stay.
However, the data from the survey showed that a quarter of employed Brits would rather take a pay cut and receive work perks, showing how vital increasing staff morale can be for businesses.
Which region offers the most work perks?
The survey revealed that London businesses offer their staff the most perks, with almost two thirds of staff receiving benefits. East Midlands companies offer the least work perks.
Despite this, the data showed that workers in this area had the highest level of job satisfaction, with almost half of respondents citing a job fulfilment of 80%, compared to a national average of 65%.
By offering perks, you can retain valuable employees while attracting top talent – and keep most people happy.
