Employers
failing to meet the changing demands of today’s workers risk facing a skills
shortage.
Seven
in 10 employees would prefer to work for an employer who can offer a choice of
benefits rather than a fixed package, according to a survey by SunAlliance’s
employee benefits division, youatwork.
The
survey, which looked at the provision of benefits in the workplace, shows that
nearly two-thirds of workers would like more control and choice over the
benefits they are offered.
However,
traditional benefits – which can be expensive to provide – are no longer the
only incentive employers can use in their efforts to recruit and retain key
staff.
Two-thirds
of workers would like to change their benefits to suit their own
lifestyles.
Increasingly,
they would prefer a diverse range of products and services according to their
age and job location.
Gerry
Callaghan, managing director of youatwork, said: "Too many firms risk
finding that if they don’t look after their employees, then a competing firm
may be happy to do so.
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Given
the increasing costs of recruiting and replacing staff, employers of all sizes
should be taking a more strategic approach to benefits as a way of attracting
and holding on to staff.”
