IT workers prefer more pay than workplace perks

A study from job site CV-Library shows IT workers would rather have more money than workplace perks, especially in the post-Christmas months when money is tight.

The job site conducted research amongst over 2,400 UK professionals this winter to determine how UK workers feel about workplace perks offered by their employers.

Survey findings reveal that 30.2 percent of IT employees receive perks at work, which is actually higher than the national average of 24.3 percent. And the overwhelming majority (93 percent) of IT industry workers believe businesses should offer such perks.

The most favoured workplace perks among IT workers are early finishes (23.3 percent), free food like breakfast and/or lunch (20.9 percent), and more holiday (16.3 percent). Also, over half (57.1 percent) would “feel happier” if their employer offered more perks.

But despite wanting workplace perks, when asked to choose between perks and a pay rise, 76.2 percent of IT workers would opt for more money instead. Furthermore, 41.9 percent of IT professionals don’t believe workplace perks are important when considering new career opportunities.

Lee Biggins, managing director of CV-Library, said: “When ran effectively, workplace perks can go great lengths to creating a happy and productive workforce. However, it’s important that perks aren’t used as a replacement for fair salaries and bonus schemes, especially if you’re bringing staff on-board in January, when many employees experience a funding-drought after the Christmas period.

“IT professionals have revealed that higher salaries and bonuses are more important than workplace perks, and businesses need to take this into consideration when recruiting for their IT vacancies.”

CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, says wage growth will remain at around 2 percent for most or all of 2016.

@AntonySavvas