Almost nine in ten British workers believe bosses should offer special perks throughout the summer months, as new survey findings reveal exactly which benefits 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 doesn’t, 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’s guide to workplace dress code legislation
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