HR Praseeda Nair · 17 August 2017

Recruitment
Barbecues and lunch time siestas among most wanted summer perks

white modern keyboard with beach accessories on blue wooden table — Two-thirds of employees believeddress codes should be relaxed in hotter weather

Almost nine in ten British workers believe bosses should offer special perks throughout the summer months, asnew survey findings reveal exactly whichbenefits employees expect.

In a survey of over 1, 000 UK professionals, job site CV-Library found that just one in five were offered any kind of special benefits for the warmer months of the year.

Fewer than half were allowed to adapt their wardrobe for the heat, despite almost two-thirds believing their employer should relax dress codes as standard.

Of those being given summer perks, an early finish to the week was the most frequent gift from their employer, followed by a relaxing of typical dress codes to help handle the weather.

The most common summer perks currently enjoyed by UK employees

Leaving early on a Friday to enjoy the sun 56.9 per cent
Allowed to wear what we want 32.3 per cent
Summer social activities e.g drinks after work 31 per cent
Free ice creams and chilled drinks 23.7 per cent
Being able to work outside 14.2 per cent

Commenting on the growing demand for summer perks among workers, Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said unpredictable British weather tended to unsettle employees.

?it’s no surprise then that our data found that many UK professionals are keen to receive seasonal perks, yet only a small percentage are, Biggins said.

but whether your working in a company that does or doesnt, there are always things you can organise with colleagues to help lighten the load.

CV-Library asked employees which summer perks they would most like to receive and picked out some of the most unique responses.

Ben from Kent: “Being able to wear Hawaiian shirts on Fridays”
Lucy from Bristol: “Lunch time siestas”
April from Staines: “Company hog roasts or barbecues every other week”
Janet from Barnsley: “Paddling pools at the office”
Spencer from Winchester: “Performance based hours get the job done, then go have fun”
Dave from Swansea: “Free beer and mojitos provided throughout the day”
Theresa from Clapham: “Team holidays and outdoor team building activities, such as music festivals”
Paul from Sutton: “Time out during the day to watch sporting events”
Sally from Leeds: “An all-expenses paid holiday on the company of course!”
Matthew from Hull: “Showers provided to use whenever we need during a hot day”

?Offering advice to employers, Biggins said companies offering seasonal bonuses would represent a more attractive option to job seekers.

??While it may not be feasible for businesses to give every team member an all-expenses paid holiday or provide free beer all day, there are some basic and inexpensive perks that they can offer to keep staff from feeling the heat.

Read our employment expert’sguide to workplace dress code legislation

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TAGS:

benefits employees Motivation Office perks recruitment Staff Workplace workplace culture

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Praseeda Nair

Praseeda Nair is the editorial director of Business Advice, and its sister publication for growing businesses, Real Business. She's an impassioned advocate for women in leadership, and likes to profile business owners, advisors and experts in the field of entrepreneurship and management.