What do workers want from their employers this summer? In a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps, Canadian employees said the best summer perks their companies could provide to them are flexible schedules (49 per cent), such as work-from-home opportunities and condensed days, and early departure on Fridays (38 per cent).

But which perks are employers actually offering? Fifty-five per cent of senior managers in Canada said flexible schedules and relaxed dress codes, and about one in three (36 per cent) reported allowing staff to leave early on Fridays. Another common warm-weather benefit cited by managers was company picnics or potlucks (47 per cent). Unfortunately, this wasn’t likely to win over employees, according to the survey.

Workers were asked, “What is the best summer perk companies could offer?” Their responses:

Senior managers were asked, “Which of the following summer perks are offered at your company?” Their responses*:

View an infographic of how professionals ranked summer benefits offered by employers.

“Providing greater flexibility to employees during the summer can significantly improve morale and productivity, especially in what can sometimes be slower months in the office,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, a district president for Accountemps in Canada. “Perks like team barbecues, or early dismissal are easy to implement and go a long way toward keeping staff satisfied and motivated.”

Vasilopoulos added, “The importance of work-life balance, in any season, can’t be overstated in today’s tight hiring market. As competition for skilled talent persists, top professionals receiving multiple job offers will choose employers who can offer the options and benefits they want.”            

About the Research

The surveys of workers and senior managers were developed by Accountemps and conducted by independent research firms. They include responses from more than 400 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments in Canada, and more than 600 senior managers at companies in Canada with 20 or more employees.

About Accountemps

Accountemps, a Robert Half company, is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm has more than 300 locations worldwide.