Over half of Brits (52%) have searched for a new job in the last 12 months – with a good salary (45%), flexible working hours (42%), and at least five weeks’ annual leave (34%) among the top perks they seek out.
One in ten consider a four-day working week to be an important benefit, while a quarter want to be able to work from anywhere they want.
And 13% simply want to feel like their boss is understanding and caring, while 19% look for a great team of colleagues.
In fact, seven in ten (71%) see a job’s benefits package is a key inducement for whether or not they stay in that role.
And the poll of 2,000 employees revealed that healthcare has become a key workplace priority for one in five workers – as 61% would be more likely to apply for a job which offered this benefit, over one that didn’t.
(Image: Geri Lavrov/Getty Images)
Sue Weir, chief executive for health cash plan Medicash, which commissioned the research, said: “The days of a job being only about salary have gone, and for many, the other perks offered can sometimes be just as, if not more, attractive.
“And while good salary increases and flexible working hours rank highly, people are now taking care of their health more than ever.
“After the past few years, more and more of us are wanting an additional layer of protection to keep us and our families safe.
“That’s shown in our findings, too – as 62% of people think a salary is as important as a caring employer.”
The research also found 43% of workers want health benefits to be offered by their employers on a paid or subsidised basis – but just 27% currently have this in their workplace.
The study, which also polled 500 HR professionals, found 71% feel healthcare is an important benefit for current and prospective employees.
More than half (53%) also went as far as to say this perk plays a role in retaining staff.
A quarter claim to have had staff leave within the last three years due to a lack of health and wellbeing support benefits.
(Image: Aegean Blue/Getty Images)
And just 15% considered their employers to be very good at keeping hold of staff and talent.
Worryingly, 82% of HR staff, polled via OnePoll, said they had seen an increase in people taking time off for their mental health during the “Covid years”.
And 91% were worried about the mental or physical impact the cost-of-living crisis could have on their staff.
The full report, created by Medicash, can be read in full here.
Sue Weir added: “Our research of both HR professionals and everyday employees provides a unique insight into the state of the UK’s workforce.
“There’s a lot of pressure on employees during these testing times, and workers need to feel as if they are being supported by their employers.
“It seems there’s a growing sense among workers that they feel they deserve that support, and it’s on employers to help provide it, and make working conditions as good as possible.
“If that can be achieved, it will undoubtedly lead to a happier workplace, and employers will keep hold of their best talent – a win-win situation for everyone.”
TOP THINGS BRITS LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING ON A NEW JOB:
- The salary (45%)
- Flexible working hours (42%)
- Five weeks’ minimum annual leave (34%)
- The ability to work from anywhere you want (25%)
- The opportunity for promotion and to rise through the ranks (22%)
- A health plan or other wellbeing benefits (20%)
- A great team of colleagues (19%)
- Good sick pay (14%)
- Understanding and friendly bosses (13%)
- A four-day working week (10%)
- An extensive training scheme (8%)