UK employees value holiday the most when considering the benefits of a new role, according to new research by recruiting experts Hays.
The survey, which received over 10,000 responses nationwide, revealed that workers prize their time off prioritising their holiday allowance above other benefits.
However, employers were more likely to offer pension contributions or childcare vouchers than over 25 days holiday.
Further findings from the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2015 survey show that an above statutory pension contribution, financial support for studies, health insurance and a company car or car allowance also make it into workers’ top five most important benefits when considering a new role.
In addition to their benefits, employees were asked to rate the other perks offered to them by their employer, and the most commonly offered were free or subsidised food and drinks, social activities and additional days off for their birthdays or excellent performance.
Barney Ely, Director at Hays Human Resources, said: “As many people’s thoughts turn to their summer holidays, our findings show that employees value their holiday entitlement above all other benefits when looking for a new job. With competition for staff the strongest it has been for some time, employers and HR teams should make sure that they do all they can to emphasise how valuable the other benefits they have to offer are, to avoid losing out to competitors offering more generous holiday allowances.”
The top employment benefits as rated by workers in the UK were over 25 days’ annual leave, above statutory pension contribution, financial support for studies, health insurance or private medical cover and company car or car allowance.
