Flexible Working More Popular than Bonuses as a Source of Staff Motivation

An interesting survey from my ex-colleagues at PwC provides some useful insights into the balance between financial and non-financial motivation at work.

The recession was a painful period for employees who managed to hang onto their jobs and there remain some fundamental issues for employers as they emerge from the downturn - not the least being the continued challenge of funding long-term pension liabilities. So enlightened employers might welcome the results of PwC’s survey which suggest that employees are increasingly looking for non-financial “rewards” in their package. The attraction of flexible working options is particularly strong.

Note too the high proportion of employees interviewed who would prefer to work for themselves. Around half of those surveyed would prefer to be self-employed - a significant pool of would-be entrepreneurs. But how many will forsake the comfort & security of a well-paid job (woth flexible working too) for the risks and uncertainties of working for themselves?