More than three-quarters (77%) of employees think flexible working is the most important benefit when considering a job move in 2022, according to research by global HR and payroll firm Remote.
The firm surveyed 10,000 full-time employees across the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US, to find out what the most desirable employee benefits, including preferences among different genders, job roles, industries, and parental status. It found that employer-sponsored retirement plans or pensions and early finishes on Fridays were the second and third best perks.
Flexible working was seen as the most important benefit for employees in every job function except production, with 79% of HR professionals and 78% of IT professionals seeing it as key.
Flexible working hours and a four-day week were more important to employees identifying as female than male, at 79% and 74% respectively. Furthermore, 67% of female staff said their workplace should offer a four-day week, compared to 60% of men.
Meanwhile, 78% of parents and 75% of non-parents thought flexible working hours should be provided by the workplace, and 53% of Dutch employees agree that is important to work for a business that allows full-time remote working, followed by 47% of UK staff and 46% of US workers.
Nadia Vatalidis, vice president of people at Remote, said: “While the need for mental health and wellness benefits is more apparent than ever, the need has always existed. The pandemic simply brought it to light and helped us start these conversations in the workforce. Showing your employees that you care about their wellness starts with flexible work and paid leave policies. But more than that, you must consider what tangible resources you can offer to your team, like local therapy or coaching services.”
