Approximately three-quarters (73%) of employees want a more tailored benefits package, according to research by build-to-rent organisation Get Living.
Its survey of 2,000 UK employees also found that 48% of respondents would leave their current job for one with better perks, while 7% are willing to take a pay cut in order to receive a better benefits package. A third (32%) of respondents who would like a more attractive benefits offering stated that they are actively looking for a new job.
Steven Osei (pictured), preferential partnerships at Get Living, said: “It’s no surprise that employees’ attitudes to workplace benefits have changed over the last five decades, since the world we live in is almost unrecognisable now.
“Employees are moving jobs more often, increasingly working from home and expecting to be compensated for their dedication. To keep up with the competition, employers need to reflect [employees’] more flexible lifestyles.”
In terms of the benefits that UK employees want, 17% would value access to mental healthcare and 8% would like to have an office pet. Of those aged between 18 and 24, 33% believe that unlimited annual leave is the best bonus they could receive; this compares to just 17% for respondents aged over 55.
Half (50%) of respondents aged between 45 and 54 cite that flexible working hours are the best benefit they could be offered by their employer, although those aged over 55 would prefer to have an enhanced pension contribution (36%). A quarter (25%) of those who joined the workforce in the 1980s are interested in having access to dental care.
“If [an organisation] wants to attract the top talent, then [it needs] to offer the best benefits, especially in London where the cost of living is leading to a brain drain,” Osei added.
Three-fifths (60%) of respondents are happy with their work-life balance, although 31% cite issues with their home and commute as the main causes of unhappiness.
Rosemary Lemon, group head of reward at Hays, said: “Working and living environments have changed over the years and employees are being impacted by big social issues. People are living longer and therefore may no longer have only one career path, so flexible working and flexible benefits must play a key role.”