The global pandemic has completely changed the work environment, making remote work and hybrid work models new work alternatives. These changes have impacted what employees value most about their employer.
A study conducted by Remote shows that 75% of workers consider flexible working hours to be the most important benefit when considering a job change in 2022.
Remote’s survey of 10,000 workers found that flexible working hours were more important than early Friday work, a 4-day week, and family health insurance, which came last, with 62% of employees who consider it the most important benefit.
Different priorities between juniors and seniors
The rise of remote working has created new opportunities for international talent who can work from anywhere, and employees remain reluctant to return to the office full-time – despite some employers’ insistence.
According to Remote, the preference for flexible working hours is felt by all employees, regardless of gender, with 78% of women and 74% of men wanting their employer to offer them flexible working hours. Function also did not play a role in this preference, since employees in almost all functions want flexible work hours, according to the study.
However, preferences vary across age groups. Gen Zers and Millennials, for example, value face-to-face teamwork more than any other generation. Well-being and mental health are also highly valued by these generations, who are the most favorable to access to mental health coaching (58%).
Baby boomers’ priorities were slightly different, with company-sponsored retirement plans (80%) topping the list of most desired work benefits.
Deconstruct the model
Understanding which benefits employees prefer in these times of change will be key to helping employers retain workers as companies struggle to fill growing talent shortages, said J Michael McMillan, director of benefits at Remote. .
“Without a benefits package that meets the needs of a modern workforce, companies are putting themselves at a very disadvantage. There is a shortage of highly skilled and highly specialized labour, and it’s important that companies are able to support their employees everywhere and in a way that makes them want to stick around,” said J Michael McMillan.
Source: ZDNet.com