Perks per head - How much do you get?

Gone are the days of Scrooge like bosses. In a workerís market dominated by skills shortages new research suggests sought after employees have the upper hand when it comes to the perks of the job, with the average UK office worker 1000 better off than they think, thanks to a host of financial freebies.

To mark the launch of the second, annual search for the UKís Office of the Year, the UKís leading office support and secretarial recruitment consultancy Office Angels polled 1,500 workers and employers about the perks of the job. Excluding standard working ëpackagesí of car allowance, healthcare, or pension provision, the research instead investigated the plethora of added extras employers are offering to entice - and keep ñ skilled staff.

It revealed that far from being lucky to get a free daily cup of tea from a vending machine, the UKís office workers are a pampered bunch, enjoying a host of complimentary perks from subsidised lunches to themed office parties.

The Basic Package ñ equivalent of 1098 back from bosses
- Nine out of 10 (92%) enjoy a festive knees up, with drinks and food paid for by the company. 66% have a summer party too.

- Major sporting occasions are supported in the majority of UK offices. And with World Cup fever nearly upon us 61% of employers already have provisions in place to enable staff to follow key games during working hours. 23% have invested in giant screen TVs and fridges ñ to be stocked with cold beers to enjoy matches with their colleagues after office hours.

- Almost three quarters (72%) specified times of the year when the boss lets them knock off early such as bank holiday weekends. Over half (53%) of offices close or have skeleton staff working over Christmas - giving employees two or three extra holidays a year

- And as a nation of tea drinkers itís no surprise that 99% can help themselves to free tea and coffee throughout the day.

However, many of the nationís employees enjoy even more hand-outs from their boss.

The Bonus Package ñ an additional 859 per head
- One in four (25%) are sent home early on the occasional sunny Friday
- 23% tuck into a subsidised lunch every day
- 11% of employees recover from the rigours of work via ëduvet daysí or ëhangover amnestiesí
- 15% have very happy birthdays ñ with gifts including champagne or vouchers paid for by their company
- While 27% feel the burn with free or subsidised gym membership

The Bumper Package - approximately 1000 per head
A lucky few enjoy even more extravagant perks.

- 18% say cheers to free drinks at least once a week, with 4% of these being available at a private ëwork barí
- 9% get the VIP treatment via annual all expenses paid trips abroad for company conferences or parties ñ including free flights, accommodation and meals

- 3% splash out with swimming pools or gym facilities on site

Other unusual perks that came to light via the research included free salsa classes, subsidised haircuts, army assault course training, a dry cleaning service and even a CCTV camera trained onto an adjacent sandwich shop so workers could monitor the queue!

Perhaps because theyíre so abundant, a guilty 57% of employees admit to taking many of these ëtreatsí for granted, but with an average of 3.5 days given back to workers by employers each year, and financial investment in team building, sustenance and socials amounting to hundreds of pounds per head, isnít it time to wake up and smell the (free) coffee? What better way to show your appreciation by entering Office Angels search for the UK Office of the Year.

Paul Jacobs comments: ìEmployees are currently benefiting from a ëworkerís marketí, and when office skills are in short supply bosses have to look for new ways to reward and retain their staff. Pay packets are, or course, vitally important, but for many itís the little things that can really make the difference between a good working environment and a great one. A simple, thoughtful gesture makes a worker feel wanted, and happy people are the key to a productive work environment.î

Does your office have what it takes?
Do these benefits sound second rate compared to your personal perk tally? Are you motivated every day by an inspiring boss and energetic colleagues? Is your office environment fresh, bright and a pleasure to work in? Have your say about what really matters at work via the Office Angels, Office of the Year competition, designed to reward those UK offices that possess that special something.

The winning office from each of the three categories** will win an office makeover worth 2,000 courtesy of leading refurbishment company, Paragon. Runners up will receive 500 worth of Microsoft computer equipment. And if youíre the one to nominate the winning office then youíll receive a special treat too ñ a pampering spa day for two at an exclusive Champneys health resort.

Entry opens today on www.officeangels.co.uk so log on for full details and your entry form