Many companies today are trying to lure in talent with perks like catered lunches, tapped beer kegs, foosball tables and unlimited vacation. While these things can make coming to the office a little more enjoyable, employees really want something else: freedom.
A recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine explains that, when it comes to work, employees value freedom and flexibility more than any other benefit. More specifically, they value freedom over how, when and where they work.
How they work
As Entrepreneur points out, “each new employee brings with them a wealth of ideas, goals and processes. With no two employees being exactly alike, the value of their ideas can greatly impact the productivity of the workplace, if given the proper opportunity to voice them.” In order to get the most out of your employees, steer clear of strict rules and policies, and encourage creative freedom.
When they work
Somewhere along the line, somebody decided that all work needs to be done between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. But, the fact is, the number of hours an employee works is really no indication of their productivity. Implementing strict hours doesn’t motivate employees; in fact it intimidates them. And, quite frankly, some people simply work better at certain times. Give employees the freedom to create their own schedules, and you’ll undoubtedly see a boost in productivity.
Where they work
According to a 2014 FlexJobs survey of 1,500 job seekers, 20 percent of respondents said they would take a cut in pay just for flexible work options. In other words, employees would much rather telecommute than be forced to sit in a cubicle all day. The takeway? Allow your employees to have a better work-life balance, and you’re guaranteed to have a much happier workforce.
