Being provided with a mobile phone or tablet is often viewed as a desirable workplace perk. The logic of that approach has often seemed questionable to me, and it seems Australian workers agree: we’re more likely to demand free office food than to be supplied with technology.
The 2012 HR Beat Survey of Australian HR managers (commissioned by SuccessFactors) identified common trends when professional seek to negotiate extra benefits as part of their compensation package). Top of the list was free meals or drinks (31 per cent), then tablets or smart phones for personal use (17 per cent), time off for volunteer activities (16 per cent) and free massages (9 per cent). I’ve never met anyone who routinely gets free massages at work outside of Google US (which offers some very extreme benefits including getting paid after you die), but I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask. The survey suggests we’re not scared to, with 86 per cent of us seeking additional benefits beyond the original offer when a job is on the table.
There was also an evident gender split when it came to job roles. According to the HR managers surveyed, women are more likely to ask for flexible work locations and hours, while men are more likely to ask for extra money or a promotion.
Any good free food going in your office? Tell us in the comments.
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