Employees in Serbia highly value benefits that offer flexibility and work-life balance, according to the survey “What Makes Employees Happy.” Conducted by uzuginanik.com in collaboration with “Infostud,” the survey involved 744 decision-makers in companies, including HR managers and executives, as well as 2,710 employees.
The survey highlights that many employees now consider certain benefits—such as flexible working hours, remote work option and a four-day work week—as standard expectations rather than perks. The findings suggest a growing discontent among the workforce, which feels entitled to higher standards than currently provided by employers.
Key benefits that employees often take for granted include voluntary health insurance, paid additional education and training, and additional days off. Other significant benefits include work lunches, life insurance, voluntary pension funds, team-building activities, psychological support, and the availability of interest-free loans. Additionally, a four-day work week and scholarships for further education are also important to many employees.
Flexibility remains a top priority, with 36% of respondents citing flexible working hours as their most valued benefit. Meanwhile, 35% prefer a four-day work week, 31% appreciate the option to work from home, and 29% desire additional days off.
The survey emphasizes that these preferred benefits can often be offered by employers without incurring direct monetary costs, aside from potential indirect costs associated with employee absences. However, it suggests that employers are not fully leveraging these options to enhance employee satisfaction.