Summer Benefits that Employees Want the Most

What do workers want from their employers this summer? In a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps, employees said the best summer perks their companies could provide to them are flexible schedules (52 percent) and early departure on Fridays (27 percent).

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But which perks are employers actually offering? Fifty-four percent of senior managers said flexible schedules, and only about one in three (32 percent) reported allowing staff to leave early on Fridays. Other common warm-weather benefits cited by companies were relaxed dress codes (53 percent) and activities such as picnics or potlucks (48 percent). Unfortunately, these were the least likely to win over employees, according to the survey.

Workers were asked, “What is the best summer perk companies could offer?” Their responses:

Flexible schedules: 52%
Leaving early on Fridays: 27%
More relaxed dress code: 11%
Activities such as a company picnic or potluck: 10%

Senior managers were asked, “Which of the following summer perks are offered at your company?” Their responses:*

Flexible schedules: 54%
More relaxed dress code: 53%
Activities such as a company picnic or potluck: 48%
Leaving early on Fridays: 32%
Our company does not offer any of these summer perks: 14%

*Multiple responses permitted.

Additional Survey Findings

Denver and Philadelphia topped the list of cities offering flexible summer scheduling.
Professionals in Atlanta and Tampa are most eager for “Summer Fridays.”
Firms in Charlotte and Denver are most likely to allow early Friday departures, while Sacramento is least likely to offer this work perk, followed by Cleveland and Detroit.

“As we head into summer, workers’ wants are shifting,” said Michael Steinitz, senior executive director of Accountemps. “When it comes to recruitment and retention, it’s important to be aware of what will resonate with employees, as habits and lifestyles fluctuate throughout the year. Managers need to pay attention and help their teams achieve work-life balance.”

Steinitz added, “Offering workers increased flexibility in the summer can improve employee morale and make your company an attractive place to work. These perks come at little cost to companies but often go a long way in keeping staff happy and engaged.”