- As the ’war for talent’ ramps up amid ongoing labour shortages, many firms start to think outside the box when it comes luring new staff.
- Doubled pay-packets, meal kits and free video games are among some of the enticing offers up for grabs for new recruits.
- But why are traditional ‘work perks’ such as social events and after-work drinks no longer cutting it?
UK workplaces are in the midst of a hiring crisis. The fallout from Brexit, coupled with the impact of the COVID pandemic, has seen many workers return to their home countries, and many sectors across the nation are struggling to plug gaps as a result.
Now, as reported by the Evening Standard, new data from London-based workplace benefits marketplace Juno has shed light on the lengths firms are going to in an attempt to keep existing staff happy, and attract fresh talent.
Among the ‘work perks’ being doled out by some bosses are: free video game vouchers, plants, regular meal kit deliveries, and at-home cleaning services for WFH offices.
According to the Evening Standard, Juno polled a sample of 110 businesses using its platform, and found a “significant spike” in demand for these “non-conventional workplace benefits”.
Work-based perks are far from a new trend, but increasingly we are seeing a shift towards more quirky offerings.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that almost half (44%) of British workers said that the majority of the work perks they are currently being offered aren’t a good fit for their lifestyle and needs, new data has found.
A recent survey of 1,000 UK adults by Instantprint, revealed how the pandemic has changed employee attitudes towards workplace benefits.
With work-life balance at the forefront of many workers’ minds, the survey revealed that UK employees are valuing flexible working now more than ever.
Almost half (45%) of those surveyed stated that flexible working hours is or would be a valuable perk to them.
The study also looked into the perks and benefits that have become more important to the workforce, with health-related company benefits coming out on top.
Dental care (43%) was identified as the most valued perk, with optical care (31%) and mental health counselling (18%) also among the list.
On the other hand, it seems as though social events at work have lost the appeal, with just 12% of employees valuing company socials at the moment.
Grapevine Leaders
Liam Soutar, 07/10/21