By Tammy Murga
Signal Staff Writer
Today’s tight job market has called on employers to offer the best in work perks, but recent research shows that companies may be missing key elements to attract and retain top talent.
Flexible work schedules, a compromised workweek and the ability to telecommute are employees’ most sought-after non-monetary perquisites.
While many employers offer flexible schedules, fewer than 1-in-5 give their workers remote work options and shorter workweeks.
That’s according to a survey of 1,500 workers and 600 HR managers in the country by global staffing firm Robert Half.
Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half international staffing operations, said flexibility is among the most desired by professionals today. Still, employers and workers are not in sync on these office perks, survey data showed.
Holly Schroder, CEO and president of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp., said the SCV’s top business leaders are challenging data like this by offering employees competitive perks.
“We should be really proud we have so many companies that people are seeking work at,” she said.
For example, Schroeder said, Scorpion, a Valencia-based internet marketing company, has turned its office facilities into perks — offering dining options, creative conference rooms and even a full-court basketball court and exercise equipment.
Other SCV-based employers to implementing similar strategies include Princess Cruises, Boston Scientific and Logix.
Out of six perks listed on the survey, flexible work schedules reigned at the top, with 88 percent of employees desiring this the most and 62 percent of companies offering the prerequisite.
At 66 percent was compressed workweek, but only 17 percent of employers said they offered this. Telecommuting followed at 55 percent, with a 14 percent tally by companies.
Profit-sharing plans and sign-on bonuses came in just behind at 49 percent each, but only 33 percent and 19 percent of employers provide these types of rewards. The closest percentage both came together was in offering and desiring spot bonuses, with only a 10 percent difference.
The survey also questioned benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plan and leave of absence. At nearly 70 percent, employees said they desired health insurance the most. The survey found that 88 percent of employees to offer the benefit. Paid time off, including vacation, sick days and paid holidays, followed with 80 percent, with 67 percent of people desiring this just below health insurance.
Retirement savings plans, dental and vision insurance came in after, with more than 50 percent of employers saying they offered each.
Offering top benefits, incentives and perks can help reduce the labor turnover, assisting employees to retain a robust pool of talent.
“In today’s competitive hiring environment, job candidates are looking at more than just salary and bonus — they seek the complete package and place added emphasis on quality of life,” Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half, said in a statement. “Companies that don’t offer in-demand nonmonetary perks in addition to a competitive salary and benefits are not likely to land or keep top performers.”
For more information about the survey, visit roberthalf.com.
