What Workplace Perks Do Employees Want Most?

When thinking about workplace perks, would employees rather hit the gym or take a day off?
It depends on whom you ask. More than 1,000 CFOs interviewed for a Robert Half survey said health and wellness benefits are what current and potential employees prize most, but workers cited additional vacation days as their most coveted perk.
Despite the discrepancy, the research suggests companies are increasingly willing to negotiate non-monetary perks versus a year ago.
Forty percent of CFOs said they are more open to discussing these benefits, compared to just 6% who are less open.
This shift is not lost on workers: 43% think perks are on the discussion table more often at their company, while just 5% think the opposite.
The research also found that when it comes to being more willing to offer these extra incentives, businesses in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boston lead the pack.
“Non-monetary perks can serve as a differentiator when trying to attract top talent in today’s competitive hiring environment, especially for smaller companies,” says Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half.
“It’s important for businesses to ask employees what perks they value most and clearly promote the firm’s offerings. Many companies undersell these benefits.”