In a recent survey conducted by EV salary sacrifice company, The Electric Car Scheme, insights into the most valued employee benefits of 2024 have emerged, shedding light on the growing significance of ‘green benefits’ in the workplace.
According to the findings, 48 percent of employees surveyed expressed feeling more motivated when offered ‘green benefits’ at work.
The survey, encompassing over 1,000 full-time UK employees, aimed to discern the most desired general and environmentally friendly benefits in today’s job market.
Overtime pay reigns supreme as the most coveted general benefit, with a staggering 46 percent of respondents expressing interest. Additionally, extra holidays (43%) and the prospect of a 4-day workweek (40%) emerged as highly desired perks, reflecting a shift towards work-life balance among employees.
Interestingly, the survey highlighted generational preferences, with respondents aged 45-54 showing a heightened interest in overtime pay and extra holidays.
Rise of ‘Green Benefits’
Notably, nearly half of the surveyed employees (45.2%) voiced a desire for free electric vehicle (EV) charging, making it the most sought-after ‘green benefit’. Remote working closely followed as the second most valued environmental perk, resonating with 38.5 percent of respondents.
EV salary sacrifice schemes also garnered significant attention, with 37.1 percent expressing interest. This aligns with the broader trend of employees seeking environmentally conscious employers, as indicated by 44 percent stating they are more inclined to stay with a company offering such benefits.
Implications for the Workplace
Thom Groot, Co-Founder of The Electric Car Scheme, commented on the survey findings, emphasising the growing importance of environmental consciousness in the workplace.
Groot stated, “It’s great to see that workers in the UK are conscious of their impact on the environment, and that people are actively seeking to work for companies with green policies.”
He further highlighted the accessibility of EVs through salary sacrifice schemes, noting, “Buying an electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme is a more affordable way to make the switch.”
With 56 percent of respondents affirming the significance of company values in their employment decisions, the survey underscores the pivotal role of benefits, especially those aligned with sustainability, in shaping workplace morale and retention strategies.
As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of employee preferences, prioritising green initiatives may prove instrumental in fostering a motivated and engaged workforce poised for a sustainable future.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
