The war for talent, the “Great Resignation” and high inflation mean that employers are now offering ever more lavish benefits, in the work perks arms race, according to a new study.
“Hangover leave” is the new job perk that Americans would most like to see employers start offering, suggests a new poll, conducted by YouGov for Trusaic, a supplier of equal pay software. Millions would also welcome such other new benefits as ‘Breakup leave’ (when a relationship ends), social media detox leave, as well as Pawternity leave and pet bereavement, according to the poll.
OUTLANDISH WORK PERKS
“Some employers already offer ‘Pawternity leave’ (to bond with a new pet) and ‘pet bereavement leave’,” highlighted Trusaic’s Executive VP of Marketing Matt Gotchy. “Paid celebration recovery leave, alias ‘Hangover leave’ tops our wish-list of new fantasy job perks, with 23% (equivalent to 59 million Americans) of poll respondents backing the idea.”
The poll revealed that:
- 17% (44 million Americans) want ‘Breakup leave’.
- 12% (31 million) want ‘Social media detox days’.
- 9% (23 million) want ‘Compassionate leave for heartsick sports fans’, when their team loses a big game/series.
- 5% (13 million) want ‘Houseplant bereavement leave’.
PAY EQUITY
Nearly 48 million Americans quit their jobs last year, an all-time record. Studies show there are now two jobs for every one candidate. “Outlandish job perks may be one way to attract and retain talent in such competitive times – but employer emphasis on pay equity, could work even better,” said Gotchy.
The number one HR trend in 2022, according to The Harvard Business Review, is that, “Fairness and equity will be the defining issues for organisations.” According to HR analyst Josh Bersin, “Equitable and fair pay is among the greatest drivers of employee satisfaction… we have to focus on pay equity.”
If you want to win the war for talent, “pay equity may be your best weapon – even better than houseplant bereavement leave,” concluded Gotchy.
The top work perks wanted by employees now include more holiday time off, a four-day week and flexible/remote work options, confirmed a new study. Click here to read more.
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