Flexible work schedules, shorter work day most sought after summer work benefits
Summer brings the longest days of the year and for some workers, they seem even longer than they are. As we swing into the summer season, professionals are looking to maximize their time outside of the office. A new OfficeTeam survey found that flexible schedules (44 percent) and leaving work early on Fridays (37 percent) are the most coveted summer benefits.
While these are the most sought-after summertime benefits, the OfficeTeam survey found that not all employees have warmed up to summer perks. Less than a quarter (23 percent) of human resources managers interviewed said their company offers flexible schedules and even fewer (20 percent) have instituted a shortened Friday work day.
However, 37 percent of executives indicated their organization has activities such as a company picnic or potluck, and 35 percent relax their dress code during the summer months.
Workers were asked, “Which of the following summer benefits would you most like to have?” Their responses:
| Flexible schedules …………………………………………. |
44% |
|
| Leave early on Fridays ……………………………………. |
37% |
|
| More relaxed dress code ……………………………………. |
8% |
|
| Activities such as a company picnic or potluck ……… |
5% |
|
| Other ……………………………………………………………….. |
6% |
|
|
100% |
HR managers were asked, “Which, if any, of the following summer benefits are offered at your company?” Their responses*:
| Activities such as a company picnic or potluck … |
37% |
|
| More relaxed dress code ………………………………….. |
35% |
|
| Flexible schedules …………………………………………….. |
23% |
|
| Leave early on Fridays ………………………………………. |
20% |
|
| None/nothing offered …………………………………………….. |
20% |
|
| Other …………………………………………………………………… |
4% |
|
| Don’t know …………………………………………………………… |
3% |
*Multiple responses allowed.
“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.”
“Businesses introducing flexible work arrangements should establish clear policies to ensure productivity isn’t negatively affected,” Hosking added. “It’s beneficial to stagger schedules and cross-train individuals so there’s always staff coverage. Conducting regular check-ins with team members who have alternate hours also helps keep projects on track.”
