More than half of UK employees unhappy with benefits package

A survey of 2,500 jobseekers from Reed Employment, the recruitment agency, has revealed that 58 per cent of employees are unhappy with their employee benefits packages. Over half (60 per cent) of jobseekers believe that receiving an annual bonus would be the number one benefit, but only 44 per cent of employees actually receive one.

The survey revealed that 73 per cent of employees felt their companies should be doing more to look after their health and wellbeing by offering gym membership discounts, free fruit, stop smoking schemes or even lunchtime yoga sessions to help reduce stress levels.

The range of benefits that companies do offer include: free parking (35 per cent); a contributory pension (27 per cent); free eye tests (26 per cent). The majority of companies offer between 21-25 days holiday a year but it was surprising to find that very few companies offer employee sabbaticals (two per cent) and just two per cent of companies offer crèche facilities for parents with small children.

Company brand image and reputation was considered the biggest attraction for jobseekers, being selected by 37 per cent of respondents; salary was the next biggest factor in attracting employees (33 per cent), and the benefits package was cited as the third most important influencer for jobseekers (30 per cent).

Richard Branson’s company, Virgin topped the dream employer poll, with Google taking second place, closely followed by Microsoft.

Janine Parry, head of marketing at Reed Employment commented: “Salaries and bonuses are becoming increasingly important for jobseekers. The uncertain economy and housing market, rising interest rates and the high cost of living are clearly having an impact on jobseekers’ priorities, making financial rewards a priority.”