New analysis of UK job ads reveals how UK employers are touting statutory requirements or basic amenities as significant workplace benefits.

The research, conducted by employee benefits, recognition and rewards platform Rippl, scoured a major UK job listing site and found that 46% of current vacancies listed a statutory right as a workplace benefit.

‘Company pension’ (present in a staggering 124,589 current job ads), ‘20 days’ holiday’ (mentioned in just over 2,000 ads) and ‘statutory sick pay’ (253 mentions) are legal obligations, yet companies are flaunting these as significant reasons to join their business. The same goes for free parking (over 66,000 mentions) or ‘on-site parking’ (mentioned over 95,000 times), which are often expected workplace features, particularly in suburban areas.

The analysis also found that employers are promoting basic necessities and underwhelming treats as benefits.

Free tea topped the list with 1,078 mentions, something most would expect as a basic courtesy, not a perk. This was followed by the stereotypical offering of ‘free fruit’ (675 mentions) and one position even listed ‘free water’ as a benefit.

Other dubious enticements include free pizza (126 mentions), raffles (435 mentions) and beanbag chairs (three mentions).

“While complementary fruit or Friday office pizza are nice to have, these perks do little to attract or retain top talent in today’s competitive job market, nor do they help nurture a meaningful relationship between an employer and its employees. These companies are offering the bare minimum, and employees can see straight through it.” comments Chris Brown, CEO of Rippl.

“Offering competitive salaries, meaningful perks, flexible working arrangements, and genuine wellbeing support are far more likely to resonate with today’s workforce. In doing so, companies can create a positive, purposeful and attractive workplace culture that fosters employee engagement, productivity and retention.”

The research was conducted using Indeed job listings in August 2024.

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