Private healthcare, an extra day’s holiday on their birthday and free gym membership are among the perks Brits want from employers, according to a study.
Researchers polled 2,000 office workers to identify the benefits they would like to see from their place of work – including flexible working hours, a nice desk and staff discounts.
Other desirables include company holidays away, being able to make personal calls at work and having space to be creative.
However more than half of those polled don’t think there really is such a thing as the perfect employer.
Commissioned by office products suppliers, Lyreco, the research found 68 per cent believe their current workplace lacks perks.
Helen Moran, category manager – paper and office products at Lyreco, said: “Our team are visiting UK offices selling and delivering products every single day, so we wanted to fully understand current work trends and how office life has changed over the years.
“We also wanted to explore what creates the wow-factor when visiting an office or learning more about how a company looks after their staff.
“It really highlighted the importance of making the right decision when it comes to ordering office items as 39 per cent of workers agreed that good quality office supplies can help show that bosses value staff.”
The research also found an incredible seven in 10 have considered quitting their job at some point during the past 12 months.
Almost half of office workers regret accepting their current job and just one third plan to stay in their role for the rest of their career.
The top things most likely to make those polled quit are nightmare commutes, overwhelming workloads and an intimidating boss.
Other reasons include being underpaid, bullying work colleagues and a massive lottery win.
Amid this, two thirds think work is more stressful now than it was as recently as five years ago.
While seven in 10 would like their bosses to give them more time and space to think things through properly.
And just 22 per cent of office workers believe they have enough freedom to be creative at work.
Carried out through OnePoll.com, the research identified the top things which would make those polled happier at work – including more emphasis on employee health and well-being.
Other boosts include recognising the staff who do the little things around the office – such as tidying the kitchen or doing the filing – and giving the office a makeover.
On this note, it also emerged half of office workers think the look and feel of an office affects how well employees do their job.
And almost half think good quality office furniture can help make workers feel more valued at work.
Interestingly, office surroundings or more specifically desks can also make workers envious of their colleagues.
The most likely causes of desk envy include co-workers who get to sit next to the window, those who have more privacy around their workstations and those who have more space.
The study also explored office décor and how it can boost productivity and found landscape photography, artwork and prints featuring inspirational quotes make a positive impact.
Helen Moran added: “The survey findings have kick-started a drive for Lyreco to delve deeper into UK workplaces and find offices that truly make you go wow.
“We will be revealing more on our social channels over the coming weeks with advice, inspiration and special offers that can help improve work stations around Britain.”
TOP 20 – PERKS WANTED BY OFFICE WORKERS
Relaxed attitude
Supportive colleagues
Flexible working hours
A close-knit team
Light hearted atmosphere
Good pension scheme
Being able to book time off at the last minute
Flexitime
Private healthcare
A fun place to work
Training schemes
Space to be creative
Employee discounts
Gym membership
Being able to take personal calls during office hours
Getting an hour-long dinner break
Extra days holiday on your birthday
Nice desk or workspace
The latest technology and tools to do my job
Company holidays
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