Employers and workers aren’t on the same page about juggling personal and professional priorities, new research from staffing firm OfficeTeam shows. More than six in 10 senior managers (63%) interviewed said their company is very supportive of its employees’ efforts to achieve work/life balance, yet only 34% of staff agree. This compares to 45% of executives and 53% of workers who felt that way in a similar survey conducted 10 years ago.
Which Perks Do Employees Value Most?
Flexible work schedules (44%) and generous vacation time or sabbaticals (33%) topped the list. These correspond to what staff said are the most common work/life benefits at their organizations: 37% noted their company offers flexible schedules and 42% reported having ample vacation days or sabbatical options.
What Helps Workers Stay Healthy
When asked about health and wellness benefits, employees cited access to fitness facilities or programs (27%) and wellness incentives, such as offering prizes for weight loss or smoking cessation (26%), as the most valuable.
“Companies can’t stick to providing the same work/life balance and health options as they did a decade ago,” said Brandi Britton, a district president for OfficeTeam, in a press release. “Today’s workers are increasingly focused on effectively juggling personal and professional priorities. They have higher expectations when it comes to employers promoting their wellbeing in and out of the office.”
Britton added that offering attractive perks is a win-win situation. “When staff are given tools to maximize their time, balance home and work demands, and stay healthy, companies benefit from employees that are more happy, productive, and loyal.”
The infographic below offers more insight into the survey findings.
