Flexible schedules, leaving early on Fridays top summer benefits for employees: Survey

One-fifth of employers offering such perks

As temperatures heat up, employees are looking forward to fun in the sun. Flexible schedules (44 per cent) and leaving work early on Fridays (37 per cent) are the most coveted summer benefits, according to a survey of 377 workers by OfficeTeam.

 

But not all employers have warmed up to the most prized summer perks: Only 23 per cent of the 150 human resources (HR) managers surveyed said their company offers flexible schedules during the summer, and 20 per cent said that staff are allowed to leave early on Fridays.

 

However, 37 per cent of the HR managers said their organization has activities such as a company picnic or potluck, and 35 per cent relax their dress code during the summer months, found the survey.

 

One-fifth (20 per cent) of organizations do not offer any summer benefits.

 

“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.”

Read more: Birthday benefits boost employee morale and retention

To ensure productivity isn’t negatively affected, employers allowing flexible work arrangements should have clear policies in place, said Hosking.

 

“It’s beneficial to stagger schedules and cross-train individuals so there’s always staff coverage,” he said. “Conducting regular check-ins with team members who have alternate hours also helps keep projects on track.”

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