Half would consider lower salary for flexiblity

Media release 13 May 2008

Half employees would consider lower salary for flexible hours

Almost half of Auckland’s finance and accounting professionals would consider trading off a lower salary for flexible working hours, according to the 2008 Robert Half Auckland Salary Guide.

The specialist finance and accounting recruitment agency’s guide is based on a survey completed by more than 1,100 finance and accounting professionals, ranging from accounts payable/receivable to CFOs, and across all industries and sectors.

For the first time this year, survey participants were asked what would influence them to accept a lower salary. They were allowed to choose more than one answer.

Forty-nine percent of the finance and accounting professionals surveyed said they would consider a lower salary in exchange for flexible working hours. Other factors influencing work/life balance were also top scorers, with 44% saying they would consider a lower salary for a better work location and 39% saying they’d consider a trade-off for the ability to work from home or for extra holidays.

Organisational factors were less important, but still rated highly. Thirty-seven percent said they would consider a lower salary for a better organisational culture, 33% for the chance to work with an inspirational leader and 32% for the opportunity for fast-tracked career progression.

Twenty-two percent of survey respondents said they would consider a lower salary for increased superannuation contributions – of interest to employers as they start contributing to employees’ KiwiSaver accounts.

Only 9% thought flexible sick leave or duvet days would influence them to accept a lower salary and employer-provided insurance scored only 8%.

Megan Alexander, senior manager with Robert Half, said the results showed just how important work/life balance was to employees.

“At a time when there is a pronounced skills shortage in finance and accounting, this survey gives employers options for attracting good staff, even if they can’t afford higher salaries.

“By offering benefits such as flexible working hours, the ability to work from home or extra holidays they may well be able to attract high-quality staff, and ensure they hold on to existing staff.

The 2008 Robert Half Auckland Salary Guide is based on a survey of 1,158 finance and accounting professionals, carried out from 28 January to 15 February 2008. The results of the survey were collated and analysed by Galaxy Research, an independent accredited market research company.

Request a free copy at www.roberthalf.co.nz

ENDS

[See... 2008_Auckland_Salary_Guide.pdf]

ROBERT HALF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING
Robert Half Finance & Accounting is the world’s first and largest financial recruitment firm, specialising in the placement of accounting and finance professionals on a temporary or permanent basis. With more than 350 locations throughout Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America, the company provides a complete recruitment service at all levels. As a division of Robert Half International, Robert Half Finance & Accounting is highly specialised and can locate and deliver the most qualified candidates. Visit us today: www.roberthalf.co.nz

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