office ping pong table

As more and more employers see the benefits of bringing an ambitious, hungry and determined young worker into the organisation, competition for the most talented graduates is fierce.

Given the strength of competition, it is important for employers to think about the package they are offering graduate candidates and whether it aligns with their needs. New research from CV-Library has revealed that nearly two thirds (62.1%) of professionals consider workplace perks to be a key factor when looking for a job.

Additionally, more than one in ten (12.6%) said that they would turn down a job if the company did not offer workplace perks. This means that there should be a great deal of flexibility in what a company offers graduate employees, and that things should not necessarily be centred on a high salary.

Creating modern perks

The introduction of more technology into the workplace means a lot of companies have moved away from the traditional 9-5 working hours and are now operating around the clock. Employees are expected to keep on top of emails via their phones, and some businesses now employ workers who may never even set foot in the office.

In the survey, 47% of professionals said that flexible working was the workplace perk that they would most like to receive, highlighting the need for companies to start moving forward with the perks they are offering.

The chance for a graduate employee to be able to work remotely, whether from home or while out on business can be hugely attractive and can mean more than a slightly higher salary.

Understanding their needs

The key for employers is to ensure they understand what each graduate wants and expects, as no two candidates will be the same. One potential employee may rather be able to dress casually, whilst another might prefer to work from home a couple of days a week, for example.

In order to account for a variety of needs and demands, employers need to think about creating a flexible strategy that is aligned to the company’s needs while also ensuring that graduate employee’s needs are met too.

If you’re an employer looking to attract the best graduate talent, find out how Discovery graduates can help