Flexibility — in terms of both work hours and work location — is the top non-traditional benefit employees want, according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. More than 6 in 10 (62%) of employees want flexible work hours, and 51% want flexible work locations (51%). But less than half of employers offer these benefits (47% and 40%, respectively).
This isn’t the only area where there’s a gap between what employees want and what employers offer. Employees are also looking for shortened work weeks (36%), which less than a quarter (23%) of employers offer. There are also some areas where employers are exceeding employee expectations, such as for paid leave: 59% of companies offer paid leave (59%), while just 48% of workers prioritize this benefit.
For traditional benefits, most hiring managers (54%) predict their offerings will remain the same in 2023, while 37% expect them to increase. The survey results suggest that employers looking to change their benefits packages should consider offering more flexible and remote options, as well as commuter stipends — 63% of respondents said they would quit their job for one closer to where they live due to the costs of commuting.
“Finding qualified employees continues to be a challenge, and from these statistics, it’s clear job seekers value flexibility in their careers,” Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller said in a press release. “Benefits play an important part in a healthy and dedicated company culture, and even small offerings can go a long way toward recruiting and retention in this competitive environment.”
