Does Vacation Time Matter in a Job Offer?

Published February 22, 2018 at 4:08 pm

vacation

Vacation time.

Promotions.

Corporate culture.

Getting paid isn’t the only Canadians want when they’re considering job offers

Twenty-six per cent workers cited vacation time as most important, according to a new survey from Accountemps.

“To remain competitive, hiring managers need to highlight what they offer beyond salary,” said Canadian president of Accountemps David King.

“Promoting flexible compensation packages that provide the benefits and professional resources employees value most will help to cultivate a more attractive corporate culture and engaging work environment.”

Time off was followed by career advancement potential (25 per cent) and corporate culture (22 per cent).

Professional development/training netted 10 per cent,while ‘work from home’ options ranked 7 per cent.

But it depends on who you’re asking — younger workers (ages 18 to 34) say they value career advancement potential over anything else, while men say vacation time is the key factor in job decisions.

Women, however, ranked vacation and career advancement highest.

Here are some more findings:

Workers ages 35 to 54 are most interested in paid time off (30 per cent) compared to those ages 18 to 34 (23 per cent), and 55 and older (20 per cent).

Professionals ages 18 to 34 prefer career advancement potential (33 per cent) above all else, compared to those ages 35 to 54 (22 per cent) and 55 and older (10 per cent).

Male respondents say vacation time (27 per cent) is most critical, while women value vacation (24 per cent) and career advancement potential (24 per cent) equally.

King encourages job seekers to be realistic, and recognize that companies may not be able to meet all their requests.

“Prepare a list of must-haves and identify where you are willing to compromise to pave the way for a positive and productive conversation,” he said.

Graphic courtesy of Accountemps

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