A survey of 300 employers revealed that more
than 50 per cent of employees would prefer flexible benefits to a pay rise or
promotion.
The research conducted by Office Angels found
that 93 per cent of employees put training on the top of the list in terms of
flexible benefits.
It also revealed that employers are responding
to employee demand for flexible benefits. In the last two years, nearly a third
of employers have introduced flexible benefit options.
The research showed that employees expect fewer
tangible benefits such as sabbaticals, financial advice, creches and flu jabs
as well as more traditional benefits.
However, the survey found that many
organisations failed to meet all employee demands, with only 17 per cent of
employers letting staff pick and choose their benefits.
About 60 per cent of employers preferred to
motivate staff by offering financial rewards to motivate employees, with annual
bonuses offered by more than half the employers, while share options were
provided by 18 per cent of employers.
Karen Higginbottom
