As summer temperatures heat up, professionals look forward to fun in the sun, a 2012 OfficeTeam survey suggests. Flexible schedules and leaving work early on Fridays are the most coveted summer benefits, according to U.S. employees polled.
The study results show that employers might be warming up to these perks: Three out of four (75 percent) HR managers interviewed said their company offers flexible schedules during the summer, and more than six in 10 (63 percent) noted that workers are allowed to leave early on Fridays.
The surveys of workers and HR managers were developed by OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in the placement of administrative professionals. The survey of workers includes responses from 449 working adults 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments throughout the U.S. The manager survey includes interviews with 515 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees.
Workers were asked, "Which of the following summer benefits would you most like to have?" Their responses: | |
Flexible schedules | 41% |
Leave early on Fridays | 28% |
Activities such as a company picnic or potluck | 11% |
Don't know/no answer | 9% |
Other | 7% |
More relaxed dress code | 5% |
Source: OfficeTeam. Responses do not total 100 percent because of rounding. | |
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HR managers were asked, "Which, if any, of the following summer benefits are offered at your company?" Their responses: | |
Flexible schedules | 75% |
Leave early on Fridays | 63% |
More relaxed dress code | 57% |
Activities such as a company picnic or potluck | 28% |
None/nothing offered | 6% |
Don't know | 1% |
Source: OfficeTeam. 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."
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