With the cost of living on the rise, it’s no surprise that overtime pay topped the list of most desired “work perks” for four in five Brits (79%), revealed a new study.
Flexible working hours (77%) and company-sponsored retirement plans (75%) followed in second and third place as some of the most popular employee benefits in the UK, confirmed global HR and payroll company Remote. Work-life balance was a key theme reflected throughout the survey results as early finishes on Fridays (66%) and a four-day work week (64%) also ranked in the five top most desired ‘work perks’.
| Rank | Perk | Percentage |
| 1 | Overtime pay | 79% |
| 2 | Flexible work hours | 77% |
| 3 | Company-sponsored retirement plan or pension | 75% |
| 4 | Early finish on Fridays | 65% |
| 5 | 4-day working week | 64% |
| 6 | Miscarriage leave | 62% |
| 7 | Paid self-care days | 61% |
| 8 | Online training and coaching programs | 61% |
| 9 | Private health insurance | 58% |
| 10 | Remote work from anywhere policy | 58% |
FLEXIBLE WORKING BENEFITS
The report also revealed that those who work in IT and telecommunications favoured flexible working more than any other sector. Individuals who work in education (78%) and law (78%) were found to value company-sponsored retirement plans or pensions the most, compared to those in IT and telecoms who favoured flexible working hours (81%).
Those under significant stress and pressure in the healthcare sector prioritised access to online therapy and mental health support more than any other industry (59%). Healthcare workers were not the only individuals who prioritised their mental health, as those working in finance were found to desire access to virtual yoga or mindfulness sessions more than any other sector (45%).
TEAM BUILDING
Gen Zs and Millennials valued face-to-face team building more than any other generation. Continuing to uphold the tradition of in-person work events was a key priority amongst both Gen Zs and Millennials, as they were the generations which value in-person team-building events most (57%/59%). Wellbeing and mental health were also highly valued by these generations as they also favoured access to mental health coaching the most (58%). Baby boomers’ priorities were slightly different, with company-sponsored retirement plans (80%) topping their list as the most desired ‘work perk’.
“Given the increased interest in mental health in recent years, I believe that employees are becoming more aware of the connections between work and their wellbeing,” stated psychotherapist Sarah Lee. “Employee benefits such as flexible working can be another way to value employees or to be more inclusive. It demonstrates an understanding that not everyone has the same commitments or priorities. Individuals who feel valued, respected, and who have the flexibility to take care of themselves are better able to focus on work and if they feel good about themselves are more productive. In situations with poor working conditions, morale is often low and people can end up feeling helpless and depressed or demotivated.”
Check out the full study here. These findings reiterate the results of another recent survey, which reveals that British staff now want more holiday time off, a four-day week and flexible/remote work options. Click here to read more.
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