Employee preferred benefits shift with season

Since the beginning of business history, employers have been concerned about employees making the most of their time.

Now, some employees are telling the boss that next to a generous paycheck, the perk they want most this summer is being able to work with an adjustable schedule.

Many bosses are responding with the attitude that as long as work is accomplished and flexible schedules keep workers happy and productive, it is a benefit they can afford.

According to a new survey conducted by OfficeTeam, 41 percent of 449 questioned professionals identified flexible schedules as the top perk they want from their employers this summer. This desire outpaced leaving early on Friday (28 percent), company picnics (11 percent), relaxed dress codes (5 percent) or other and unknown desires which together totaled more than 15 percent.

At the same time, surveyors asked employers which of the designated perks they would be most willing to offer. Flexible schedules gained a nod from 75 percent of respondents. The top offering was followed by leaving early on Friday (63 percent) relaxed dress codes (57 percent), company picnics (28 percent) and nothing offered or not knowing what to offer at a combined 7 percent.

The OfficeTeam survey found that employees appreciate having control over their schedules of balancing personal and professional obligations. Researchers said that offering the summer benefit in some form could boost employee morale and retention.

“Our client [companies] are finding that the flexible schedules keep employees morale and in turn productivity higher,” OfficeTeam Division director Janelle Accordo said.

Accordo declined to disclose specific companies in the Tri-parish region, but added that she knows of five companies making use of flexible schedules.

Accordo said businesses offering successful flexible work arrangements do so by establishing clear policies so the benefit is not abused. Tips for accomplishing the flexible schedule includes cross-training individuals, and staggered schedules to insure business demand is met.

Some jobs do not easily accommodate the desire for flexible schedules. For those jobs that do, employers seem to be warming up to the summer perk concept.