Perks of the Job

If you could have one perk – any perk – in your workplace, what would it be? If you had the choice, would you rather have a bigger title or a bigger office? If you were thinking about leaving your company, what would make you stay? A new CareerBuilder survey explores which job factors are most important to today’s workers.

Nearly one-third of employers (32%) reported that top performers left their organisations in 2012 and 39 % are concerned that they’ll lose top talent in 2013. While most workers (66 %) stated that they are generally satisfied with their jobs, one in four (25%) said they will change jobs in 2013 or 2014.

How important is title?

While upward mobility is a key factor in job satisfaction and employee retention, having a certain title isn’t important to more than half of workers (55%). The vast majority (88%) reported that salary matters more. Other factors that outrank job title in what is most important to workers are:

Flexible working hours – 59%
Being able to make a difference – 48%
Challenging work – 35%
Ability to work from home – 33%
Academic reimbursement – 18%
Having an office – 17%
Company car – 14%

Do perks matter?

Twenty-six percent of workers said that providing special perks is an effective way to improve employee retention. When asked to identify one perk that would make their workplace more satisfying, early dismissals, convenient gym access and casual dress scored highest:

Half day on Fridays – 40%

On site gym – 20%

Ability to wear jeans – 18%

Daily catered lunches – 17%

Massages – 16%

Rest room – 12%

Snack basket available in the office – 8%

On-site nursery – 6%

What ultimately entices workers to stay with a company?

Not surprising, the majority of workers (70%) reported that increasing salaries is the best way to boost employee retention while 58% pointed to better benefits. Other actions workers said employers should take to reduce voluntary turnover include:

Increase employee recognition (awards, cash prizes, company trips) – 50%
Ask employees what they want and put feedback into action – 48%
Increase training and learning opportunities – 35%
Hire temporary staff to ease workloads – 22%
Provide academic reimbursement – 22%
Carve out specific career paths and promote more – 21%
Institute a more casual dress code – 14%

It seems that today what determines job satisfaction is not a one-size-fits-all, but flexibility, recognition, the ability to make a difference and sometimes, even special perks, can go a long way.

We all expect to be compensated and this will always be a top consideration, but we’re seeing work-life balance, telecommuting options and learning opportunities outweigh other job factors when an employee decides whether to stay or join with an organisation.

Of course, one thing we consider a perk here at Ransom Wood is our fantastic surroundings.  Where else can you find an office in a tranquil woodland environment away from the hustle and bustle of life.  Contact our Estates Team to have a chat about moving your company into this great setting.