Although US workers increasingly seek flexibility in non-traditional benefits — including more control over work hours and location — less than 50% of businesses offer these benefits, according to the recently released survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

The survey found that 59% of hiring managers report offering paid leave, including paid maternity (47%), paternity (33%), paid parental leave for parents fostering and/or adopting (24%) and/or paid caregiver leave such as for those caring for elderly parents (15%). Other benefits offered to employees include flexible work hours (47%), flexible work location (40%), the ability to work part time (40%) and/or unpaid parental leave (33%).

However, the report noted a gap between the benefits companies currently offer and what employees deem important. It found 62% of employees believe it is important for a company to offer flexible work, while 51% want flexible work locations, 48% prioritize paid leave and 36% prioritize shortened work weeks; conversely, less than half of hiring decision makers report their companies offer these benefits.

The report also found that 54% of US hiring managers anticipate traditional benefits to remain the same in 2023, with only 37% expecting an increase in traditional benefits this year, down from 50% in 2022. 

“Finding qualified employees continues to be a challenge, and from these statistics, it’s clear job seekers value flexibility in their careers,” Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller said. “Benefits play an important part in a healthy and dedicated company culture, and even small offerings can go a long way toward recruiting and retention in this competitive environment.”

Additional findings:

• 64% of hiring managers report their company has modified benefits to retain current employees or attract new ones. 
• About three in 10 hiring managers say they have increased the amount of paid time off offered to employees, while 27% report their company has offered additional healthcare incentives such as gym memberships or mental health resources.
• 63% of employed Americans would quit their job and find one closer to where they live because of the current commuting cost.

The Job Insights survey was conducted between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 2022, among 1,002 adult US hiring decision makers who are employed full time or self employed.