Companies providing most of the benefits employees want: survey
Canadian employers are getting high marks when it comes to providing the benefits and perks that their workers want, according to a recent report from Robert Half.
For example, 49 per cent of workers want a retirement savings plan, and 77 per cent of employers are providing one.
And 44 per cent of employees want dental insurance, while 75 per cent of companies are complying.
However, there are also differences: Just nine per cent of staff want an employee assistance program (EAP) while 69 per cent of employers provide one.
However, employers are falling a bit short of two items, finds the HR consulting firm: Three-quarters (75 per cent) of workers want flexible work schedules but just 71 per cent of employers offer it.
Also, while 66 per cent of workers want remote work options, only 57 per cent of companies have this available for employees.
|
Benefits |
Percentage of workers demanding this benefit |
Percentage of employers providing this benefit |
|
Paid time off |
65 per cent |
81 per cent |
|
Retirement savings plan |
49 per cent |
77 per cent |
|
Life and AD and D insurance |
10 per cent |
76 per cent |
|
Dental insurance |
44 per cent |
75 per cent |
|
Disability insurance |
10 per cent |
72 per cent |
|
Employee assistance program |
9 per cent |
69 per cent |
|
Extended health coverage |
65 per cent |
69 per cent |
|
Leave of absence or sabbatical |
12 per cent |
67 per cent |
“Highly skilled professionals expect not just a base salary that’s in line with what other firms are offering but also a choice of benefits and perks that are equally competitive,” says Robert Half.
Providing workers with an array of benefits plays a huge role in their overall wellbeing, according to a previous report.
Employers are also hitting the mark, in most cases, when it comes to the perks that workers want, according to Robert Half:
|
Perks |
Percentage of workers demanding this perk |
Percentage of employers providing this perk |
|
Employee discounts |
31 per cent |
63 per cent |
|
PTO for volunteering |
17 per cent |
60 per cent |
|
Company-paid meals and snacks |
18 per cent |
58 per cent |
|
Remote work business allowances |
45 per cent |
53 per cent |
|
Matching gifts program |
11 per cent |
50 per cent |
|
Unpaid sabbaticals |
7 per cent |
42 per cent |
Roughly two-thirds of Canadian men (63.4 per cent) and women (65.1 per cent) had access to paid sick leave in 2022, according to Statistics Canada.
“The right benefits package may get your preferred candidate in the door, but equally important is to consider the types of benefits that will build up your company culture – i.e., the perks you can offer that will boost morale, make employees feel supported and cared about, and encourage them to stay with the organization,” says Workhuman, a human capital management software solutions provider.
“An effective benefits strategy is carefully crafted to align with your company’s values, goals, and employee preferences. That’s the most important point: To make sure you’re providing the best benefits that meet the needs and expectations of your employee base.”
