Miss Moneypenny’s advice: Don’t miss out on your perks
ALMOST three- quarters of UK professionals do not receive any workplace perks, research reveals.
A survey of 1,000 workers by recruiting site CV-Library found 72 pc do not receive any benefits.
Yet 62 pc say perks — ranging from free gym membership and office snacks, to casual dress codes — are key factors when they look for a job.
The most popular benefits include flexible working, seasonal bonuses, extra holiday and staff discounts.
Moneypenny, a telephone answering service, believes workplace benefits are important. Its staff perks include flexible working, health and life insurance, interest-free loans, staff discounts, fitness classes, free breakfasts, snacks and drinks.
Alison Davies, a former call centre and bank worker, who is now a telephone receptionist for Moneypenny in Wrexham, North Wales, says: ‘One of the things that attracted me to this job was the perks.
‘Moneypenny offered more holiday than my previous jobs, and a free hospital cash plan. That means I can claim back optical and dental bills, and get a payment for an overnight stay in hospital. It extends to one child too so I have used it to help with buying new spectacles for one of my daughters.’
Alison, who also likes Moneypenny’s on- site pub and outings, says: ‘I researched Moneypenny’s perks and asked about them at my interview, because perks like extra holidays and the cash plan would benefit myself and my family.’
But she advises: ‘Take care not to ask about the perks too soon in any recruitment process.’
Ceri Henfrey, head of operations at Moneypenny, says: ‘We believe if our staff are happy, our clients are happy. These two factors shape everything we do and as a result our staff turnover figure is only 2 pc.’
When searching for new jobs, look at the whole package, perks included. Childcare vouchers for instance, can be as valuable as extra pay; medical insurance provided through an employer is likely to be cheaper than buying it yourself, and the opportunity to work flexibly can mean the difference between taking a job and turning it down.
Lee Biggins, CV-Library founder and managing director, says: ‘Most professionals are now steering towards practical benefits like flexible working and bonuses.
‘ Employers should take these findings around workplace perks into consideration when looking to attract new recruits.’