CFOs said health and wellness benefits are what current and potential employees prize most; however, workers cited additional vacation days as their most coveted perk, according to survey data released today by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

The surveys asked what perks workers value most.

CFOs responded:

• Additional vacation days: 25%
• Telecommuting options: 14%
• Non-traditional working hours: 11%
• Health and wellness benefits: 39%
• On-site perks (free lunch/parking): 8%

Workers responded:

• Additional vacation days: 31%
• Telecommuting options: 23%
• Non-traditional working hours: 21%
• Health and wellness benefits: 16%
• On-site perks (free lunch/parking): 8%

Despite the discrepancy, the research suggests companies are increasingly willing to negotiate nonmonetary perks versus a year ago; 40% of CFOs said they are more open to discussing these benefits, compared to 6% who are less open. This shift is not lost on workers: 43% think perks are on the discussion table more often at their company, while just 5% think the opposite.

“Nonmonetary perks can serve as a differentiator when trying to attract top talent in today’s competitive hiring environment, especially for smaller companies,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half. “It’s important for businesses to ask employees what perks they value most and clearly promote the firm's offerings. Many companies undersell these benefits.”

Businesses in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boston are the most willing to offer these extra incentives, the research found.