The Answer May Surprise Managers
TORONTO, March 11, 2015 /CNW/ - As the focus on employee recruitment and retention sharpens, many executives may be undervaluing a perk their workforce wants most, suggests new research from Accountemps. When asked which workplace perk they think their employees are most interested in receiving this year, 41 per cent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said better benefits, 26 per cent said a more flexible schedule, and 17 per cent said more vacation days. In a separate survey of workers, however, more vacation days topped the list (35 per cent) as most desired in 2015, a more flexible schedule was next (17 per cent), and better benefits came in third (16 per cent).
The surveys were developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals and conducted by an independent research firm. The surveys include responses from more than 270 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies across Canada and more than 425 employees 18 years of age and older who work in an office environment.
CFOs were asked, "Other than additional compensation, which one of the following do you believe would top your employees' wish lists when it comes to their jobs this year?" Their responses:
| Better benefit plan, such as enhanced healthcare plan |
41% |
| More scheduling flexibility, such as telecommuting or flexible work hours |
26% |
| More vacation days |
17% |
| Other corporate perks, such as on-site meals and amenities, health and wellness, or subsidized transportation |
8% |
| More training or professional development opportunities |
2% |
| Don't know |
6% |
| 100% |
Employees were asked, "Other than additional compensation, which one of the following would top your wish list when it comes to your job this year?" Their responses*:
| More vacation days |
35% |
| More scheduling flexibility, such as telecommuting or flexible work hours |
17% |
| Better benefit plan, such as enhanced healthcare plan |
16% |
| Other corporate perks, such as on-site meals and amenities, health and wellness, or subsidized transportation |
16% |
| More training or professional development opportunities |
16% |
| 100% |
"Offering workplace perks can be a great tool to motivate and retain workers," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian district president of Accountemps. "Regular feedback from your team will provide insight on which incentives are the most meaningful and can help confirm you are focusing your efforts in the right area. Providing a variety of workplace perks and allowing your employees to choose the mix of incentives best suited to their individual circumstances can set you apart from the competition and improve your employees' job satisfaction."
Hunnam-Jones pointed out a potential silver lining to the survey results. "Re-evaluating the vacation policy and the feasibility of offering flexible working opportunities can be a quick win. In comparison, changing a company's benefits package can be a lengthy, challenging and expensive process," Hunnam-Jones said. "Supporting your employees to achieve greater work-life balance through additional vacation time and flexible work options shows you appreciate their efforts."
About Accountemps
Accountemps, a Robert Half company, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm has more than 340 offices worldwide. More resources, including online job search services and the Accountemps blog, can be found at accountemps.com. Follow @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace news and hiring trends.
SOURCE Accountemps
Image with caption: "What Tops Employees' Wish Lists This Year? (CNW Group/Accountemps)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150311_C5007_PHOTO_EN_13044.jpg
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