New data has found that UK employees expect more from their employers, with a four-day working week (42%) and unlimited holiday (41%) ranked as the top two benefits desired by staff.
Research carried out by agile experience management services Momentive included responses from 2,005 adults aged 18 and over living in the UK and explored employees’ changing experience and expectations of work. Findings revealed that 34% and 44% of those surveyed said flexible and hybrid work have become core benefits respectively, while more than half (52%) of British hybrid workers would leave their job if forced back into the office full-time, with 11% saying they would quit straightaway.
Benefits that employees would like to see offered in the future include enhanced pension contributions and health insurance (33%) and enhanced parental leave and pay (29%). Mental health support was a benefit that doubled in popularity during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, increasing from just 17% before to 33% now, while a quarter of workers are still keen to see this benefit introduced.
In addition, almost half (49%) said their employers listen to their feedback more than they did before the pandemic, but are concerned that this will be stop as businesses move towards a post-pandemic way of working. One in five (18%) are worried their employer will not take their opinions into consideration when deciding on working policies in 2022, with 12% concerned they will be required to return to the office fully next year.
Two-fifths (40%) admitted they are hesitant about returning to the office full-time, rising to 60% for those who have been used to working on a hybrid or remote basis.
Zander Lurie, CEO of Momentive, said: “Employees are more empowered than ever, and companies need to offer what matters to them or risk losing great talent. Creating a work culture that your employees want to be a part of everyday requires listening. Feedback helps business leaders tap into what workers need to be successful.”
