Benefits do not convince employees without adequate salary
Flexible working hours, home office and measures for work-life balance - Swiss companies offer their employees a range of benefits to attract or retain them. Nevertheless, the decisive point for employees is always the salary, as the current Salary Survey 2020 of the personnel service provider Robert Half shows.
Salary level is a key criterion for job satisfaction. This is the conclusion drawn by the Salary Survey 2020 of the personnel service provider Robert Half. The conclusion is that only when the money is right can employees be enticed with additional benefits.
Salary, not benefits, as a barometer of satisfaction
"An appropriate salary makes employees feel that their performance is valued. Benefits alone are not a guarantee of satisfaction," explains Zerrin Azeri, associate director at Robert Half. "Fringe benefits, no matter how attractive, can't make up for a feeling of being underpaid." The numbers confirm that, too: For more than two-thirds of respondents (39 %) in Robert Half's latest labor market survey, salary is among the determining factors for job satisfaction. Almost one in four (22 %) have already turned down a job offer because the salary offered was too low.
Top factors for job satisfaction
"Due to the current labor market situation, it is challenging for companies to find and retain skilled workers. Employees can choose their job and therefore make their demands," Azeri emphasizes. More than two-thirds of respondents expect to be entrusted with interesting tasks. More than half hope for good teamwork in their new job. In addition, flexible working conditions are also one of the most important prerequisites for job satisfaction for half of the respondents. "Only companies that respond to these wishes and at the same time pay attention to the level of salaries have a competitive advantage in the labor market," explains Azeri. "If neither fringe benefits nor salary are right, even existing employees won't shy away from changing companies."
Work-life balance to balance stress and deadline pressure
Only a combination of good pay and additional benefits ensures satisfied employees. Swiss employees repeatedly feel that the stress level and deadline pressure at work are too high. Therefore, flexible working hours and measures that have a positive effect on the work-life balance are becoming increasingly important. "The pent-up demand in Swiss companies is high, although various programs are offered," says Azeri. "In addition to flexible working hours and health-promoting measures, continuing education programs are particularly high on the agenda. Especially among new employees, the willingness to learn and change is high. Companies should not disregard this."
Orientation for market salary ranges in the IT, finance and commercial sectors is provided by the Salary overview from Robert Half. It is based on actual agreed salaries from several thousand successful placements.
