82 per cent of Brits think businesses over-complicate workplace benefits

employee benefits package

Eight out of ten Brits think that businesses over-complicate workplace benefits, according to a new survey.

The survey, conducted by global recruitment specialist Michael Page, found that many employees thought their workplace benefits are difficult to understand, and hard to use or claim.

The survey also revealed that 64 per cent of people believe businesses are investing in expensive benefits that employees neither want, need nor use.

Of those who were surveyed, 73 per cent said that benefits factor into their decision to turn down a job, while 70 per cent said that unusual benefits such as free massages were “gimmicks.”

The research found that flexible working; work-from-home options; unlimited paid holiday; company car or subsidised/free travel; and weekly free lunches were the top five most wanted benefits.

Oliver Watson, Executive Board Director for UK and North America at PageGroup said, “Whether you’re an employer scouting for new talent, or a candidate searching for a new job, the benefits package on offer needs to match both parties’ expectations.”

“Yet while we may be accustomed to negotiating a starting salary, discussing more tailored benefits is rarely given the same priority – resulting in neither party getting an agreement that drives engagement for an employee and performance for an employer.”

“As working cultures become more flexible and dynamic, a ‘one size fits all’ approach to benefits no longer applies.”

“With only two in ten UK consumers completely satisfied with their current benefits package and 85 per cent saying a flexible benefits package would make a job more desirable to them, employers need to relax their typically fixed policies and start an open conversation about benefits far earlier in the recruitment process.”

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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