Study reveals 4 day working week is rising in popularity
Research carried out by card payment provider, Paymentsense, reveals that 0.2% current job applications offer a four day working week. The benefits a company offers its staff can be ‘make or break’ for many current or prospective employees, in particular as the Pandemic caused a shift in working habits. Companies are beginning to trial a four day working week, which would allow staff more freedom and flexibility.
With this in mind, Paymentsense analysed over 647,000 job adverts to discover the most commonly advertised employee benefits promoted by UK businesses.
0.2% of UK companies offer a 4 day working week as company perk
The UK has recently begun the world’s largest trial of a four day working week. A perk which to most, is one of the most desirable. It is reported that more than 3,300 employees in the UK have begun the trial. From improved morale and fewer absences to improved recruitment, there are many pros to bringing in this new way of working.
Just 5.1% of UK companies offer remote working in their job roles
Hybrid, remote and flexible working options have been brought to the fore over the past two years. Even with restrictions lifted, the world’s employees are reluctant to go back to how things were before causing companies to continue offering and advertising working from home as a perk. However, just 5.1% of companies offer remote working as a perk despite the rise in popularity for the new way of working. However, hybrid working is a more common benefit offered by companies, as 9.1% of the job advertisements offered this as a perk.
Why employee benefits are so important and how small businesses can get involved
Jon Knott, Head of Customer Insights at Paymentsense commented: “The workplace benefits offered by companies are becoming increasingly important across the world as new ways of working and employee needs change and evolve.
"As a result of COVID-19, it is estimated that 42% of companies are planning to significantly improve their benefit programmes as offering a good salary on its own isn’t enough anymore - more and more workers are looking for benefits that make working somewhere worth it.
"The benefits offered by a company can make a huge difference to an employee’s wellbeing, productivity and loyalty. This ultimately benefits the company too as it will help attract and retain staff, whilst building a positive and rewarding culture.
"Smaller businesses might not have the finances to offer big financial perks, but you can still make your company a great place to work. Flexible working hours allow your employees to do what’s important to them, such as dropping their kids off at work or getting some exercise. Hybrid working is also a good option, as it helps you attract talent from a wider pool of people. This can be especially useful if you’re based in a more remote location.”
