Workers Say Flexible Schedules, Leaving Early on Fridays Most Prized Benefits

As temperatures heat up, professionals are looking forward to fun in the sun, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. Flexible schedules (41 percent) and leaving work early on Fridays (28 percent) are the most coveted summer benefits, according to employees polled. The results (officeteam.rhi.mediaroom.com/file.php/1293/Summer+benefits+infographic_US.gif) mirror those from a similar survey of workers conducted in 2009.

The study also shows employers may be warming up to these perks: Three out of four (75 percent) human resources managers interviewed said their company offers flexible schedules during the summer, and more than six in 10 (63 percent) noted that workers are allowed to leave early on Fridays.

The joint surveys of workers and HR managers were developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey of workers includes responses from 449 working adults 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments. The manager survey includes interviews with 515 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees.

Workers were asked, Which of the following summer benefits would you most like to have? Their responses:

Flexible schedules                                                          41%

Leave early on Fridays                                                   28%

Activities such as a company picnic or potluck                11%

More relaxed dress code                                                 5%

Other                                                                            7%

Don't know/no answer                                                    9%

                                                                                      101%*

*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

HR managers were asked, Which, if any, of the following summer benefits are offered at your company? Their responses*:
 

Flexible schedules                                                          75%

Leave early on Fridays                                                   63%

More relaxed dress code                                                57%

Activities such as a company picnic or potluck                28%

None/nothing offered                                                       6%

Don't know                                                                       1%


*Multiple responses allowed.

Workers appreciate having more control over their schedules as they juggle personal and professional obligations, said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. Organizations that don't offer summer benefits in some form may be missing out on a way to increase employee morale and retention.

Businesses introducing flexible work arrangements should establish clear policies to ensure productivity isn't negatively affected, Hosking added. It's beneficial to stagger schedules and cross-train individuals so there's always staff coverage. Conducting regular check-ins with team members who have alternate hours also helps keep projects on track.

OfficeTeam is a national staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.