“Flexible work schedule” topped the list of most important nonhealth benefits, according to a survey by Express Employment Professionals.

The survey found 18% of workers consider a flexible work schedule to be the most important nonhealth benefit. It was followed by “generous/unlimited” vacation time at 13%, opportunities to work from home at 12%, access to training/certification classes at 10% and a casual dress code at 10%.

While some job-seekers might like the idea of a flexible schedule, Express also asked employers what the term “flexible work” meant to them. Here is what they found:

• 25% said “freedom to adjust your schedule to accommodate personal/family needs”
• 20% said “options to work outside the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business day”
• 15% said “freedom to set your own hours/schedule”
• 11% said “working extra hours to accommodate a four-day work week”
• 10% said “working from home part-time”

Express’ poll included 734 job-seekers and 1,428 employers.

“It’s much easier to build a workforce that will take a company into the future if the company’s practices aren’t stuck in the past,” Chairman and CEO Bill Stoller said. “Of course, not every arrangement will work in every situation. But a company shouldn’t see offering flexible work as a concession to employees; they should see it as a way to build a more committed, productive team and a stronger, forward-looking business.”