We’ve all seen the posts online about some company throwing their employees a pizza party to celebrate their record profits instead of handing out raises. But frills like pizza parties and pool tables aren’t enough to keep employees happy.
Of course, a good paycheck makes a job more appealing, but there are other work perks that employees want today. In fact, 60% of people surveyed said that these additional perks can be the deciding factor when it comes to accepting a new job or not.
But if gimmicky benefits like food and games aren’t the answer to a happy work culture, what is?
Open Study College recently surveyed 2,000 employees, and here are the top 10 work perks they say their dream job entails.
1. Hybrid or Flexible Work
Unsurprisingly, the option for hybrid or flexible working arrangements is the top work perk identified in the survey. People don’t want to wake up at 6 a.m., spend an hour in traffic, and sit in a stuffy office for 8 hours – especially when they can accomplish the same tasks at home in their pajamas.
However, workers aren’t demanding that all jobs be 100% remote; many find hybrid work and flexible schedules can increase job satisfaction. Many respondents said working from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. would be ideal for them!
2. Parking
One job I had came with an added $75/month parking fee. Needless to say, I was unimpressed with this arrangement, and it turns out I’m not alone. Subsidized parking made the top ten work perks people actually want.
Parking fees and permits in high-demand areas and high-cost-of-living cities can be hundreds of dollars a month, so having this covered by your employer can make a big impact on how much money you actually take home.
3. A Good Pension
We work hard at our jobs to save enough money to eventually retire from working altogether. A good pension or retirement plan means we can reach this goal sooner, so employees want to work for companies that contribute towards their retirement savings.
4. Extra Holidays
Everyone loves a day off. One of the best jobs I had closed during the holidays, so all the staff had 10+ days off at the end of each year instead of a few spread-out days. It was great for morale, as parents were home while their kids were off school, and no one had to worry about getting time off approved to travel or make plans.
5. Training and Development
Offering employees training and development is a win-win! Employees want this perk, and since it makes them better at their jobs, the company benefits, too.
Not offering employee training is truly a disservice to any business. Your employees won’t be efficient and will start looking for a new job somewhere else.
6. Short Days on Friday
Sure, work parties are a nice break from sitting at your desk, but getting to leave and start your weekend early is even better.
People are busy! Even a little bit of extra personal time gives them the chance to get things done, rest, and reconnect with their family and friends. Plus, it shows that your employer trusts you to manage your time and workload.
7. Maternity or Paternity Leave
Welcoming a new baby into your family is a big deal, but giving new parents time off is not something most American companies are known for.
In the US, paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave is not guaranteed – it’s up to the employer to offer it, or new moms and dads must use their personal and sick leave. No wonder employees want parental coverage as a work perk! Ten sick days is not enough time to adjust to the demands of parenthood.
8. Optional Schemes
You may not know the term, but there is a good chance you’ve come across optional schemes before. They are programs that companies offer that their employees can choose to participate in or opt out of, allowing some customization to your overall benefits package.
Common examples are on-site childcare facilities, commuter benefits like bike-to-work schemes, and employee assistance programs (EAP) for support and counseling.
9. Gym Memberships
Being physically fit is important to today’s workforce, but gym memberships don’t come cheap. That’s why a subsidized membership is a work perk that people are looking for.
This is another work perk that benefits businesses, too. Healthy employees don’t need to use as many sick days, for one, but they also have more energy and are more productive.
10. Discounts
People like getting discounts for local activities and restaurants and consider these discounts an added benefit of their jobs.
Employers can improve their job offers by offering things like free tickets to events, travel discounts, or a percentage off at certain stores. It may not seem like much, but saving money anywhere possible can help employees live better lives.
The Perks of the Job Employees Really Want
“While lots of employers think gimmicky benefits like pool tables or office dogs are going to boost staff morale and attract new talent, the research shows that this simply isn’t the case,” says Samantha Rutter-Bryant, CEO of Open Study College. “Those more practical benefits that support individual growth and balance, including training and development, are providing a happier workforce.”
So the next time you get a job offer, don’t just let the salary be the deciding factor. Consider the work perks that matter most to you, and find a job that offers them.
Amanda Kay, the founder of My Life, I Guess, provides valuable career advice and support for anyone striving to make a living and, more importantly, make a life. Whether it's navigating job searches, learning new skills, overcoming unemployment, or dealing with debt, My Life, I Guess has been a go-to resource for career guidance and financial stability since 2013. Amanda's expertise and relatable approach have been featured in trusted publications such as MSN, Credit.com, Yahoo! Finance, the Ladders and Fairygodboss.