LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. -- A survey by consulting firm Hewitt Associates found that an ATM was the most popular on-site personal benefit offered by employers.
The survey of 945 employers, released by Hewitt on May 13, found that 61 percent of respondents offered at least one on-site personal service, up from 57 percent in 2001.
The most popular onsite conveniences, according to the survey, are ATM (39 percent), banking services (24 percent), credit union (19 percent), dry cleaners (19 percent) and travel services.
While the survey would seem to contradict a popular opinion that these "soft" benefits would be among the first cut in an economic downturn, Hewitt work/life consultant Carol Sladek said that many employers see the value of offering such services.
"Most companies realize that offering work/life benefits is one of the best ways to boost morale during difficult times," Sladek said in a news release. "As employees are asked to do more with less, employers have used these programs to help their people cope with and balance all of the demands on their time and attention."
