SUMMER DAYS - Workers Cite Flexible Schedules, Leaving Early on Fridays as Most Prized Summer Benefits

TORONTO, June 7, 2012 /CNW/ - As temperatures heat up, professionals are looking forward to fun in the sun, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. Flexible schedules (44 per cent) and leaving work early on Fridays (37 per cent) are the most coveted summer benefits, according to employees polled.

The study also shows that not all employers have warmed up to the most prized summer perks: Only 23 per cent of human resources (HR) managers interviewed said their company offers flexible schedules during the summer, and 20 per cent noted that staff are allowed to leave early on Fridays. However, 37 per cent of executives indicated their organisation has activities such as a company picnic or potluck, and 35 per cent relax their dress code during the summer months.

The joint Canadian surveys of workers and HR managers were developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specialising in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals, and conducted by independent research firms. The survey of workers includes responses from 377 working adults 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments. The manager survey includes interviews with 150 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 .................................................	44%
	Leave early on Fridays ...........................................	37%
	More relaxed dress code ...........................................	8%
	Activities such as a company picnic or potluck .........	5%
	Other ..........................................................................	6%
		100%

HR managers were asked, "Which, if any, of the following summer benefits are offered at your company?" Their responses*:

	Activities such as a company picnic or potluck ...	37%
	More relaxed dress code .........................................	35%
	Flexible schedules .....................................................	23%
	Leave early on Fridays ..............................................	20%
	None/nothing offered .....................................................	20%
	Other ..............................................................................	4%
	Don't know .....................................................................	3%

*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. "Organisations 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."

About OfficeTeam

OfficeTeam is a leading staffing service specialising in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.

 

Contact: Nadia Santoli
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