Around four-fifths (86%) of UK employees cite salary as the most important factor contributing to their happiness at work, according to research by Capita.
The state of IT: The employee verdict, a report which surveyed 2,000 UK professionals who use a computer to access data and applications, also found that 75% of respondents believe holiday entitlement is most important for their happiness at work, compared to those who view flexible or remote working (61%), health insurance (21%), share options (12%) and a company car (10%) as being vital.
Seven in 10 (71%) respondents would like the option to work remotely, but only 32% of UK staff are able to work remotely whenever they want. Three-fifths (60%) of employee respondents defined better work-life balance as their main driver for wanting to work remotely; a further 47% wanted to reduce transport costs, and 35% wished to decrease their carbon footprint.
Currently, 68% of respondents are allowed to work remotely; this increases to 72% for staff working in the private sector and decreases to 61% for those employed in the public sector. Furthermore, more female respondents (38%) are unable to work from home compared to men (26%).
Joe Hemming, executive officer at Capita IT and Networks, said: “Today’s workforce is increasingly demanding the ability to work wherever and whenever they want. In the long run, an inability to offer remote, flexible working could leave an organisation watching some of its best employees heading for the exit.
“At a time when employee retention and productivity is front of mind for many organisations, it is imperative that they have the policies in place that encourage rather than hinder flexible working practices.”