I spend a lot of time talking to Surveyors about what is important for them in a job offer, the answers can be quite surprising. Money is a necessity but more money is rarely top of the list and rather than healthcare or pension options, it is often the smaller things that make their workplace a happy one.

Soft Benefits = “An employee benefit that is non-financial in nature” – www.dictionary.com

Soft benefits don’t have to come with a big price tag but they appear to have a bigger impact on job satisfaction because they focus on an employee’s well-being and happiness.

This morning I spoke with a client in Berkshire. We discussed their requirement for a Senior Building Surveyor, the salary on offer and the progression opportunities. I then broached the subject of soft benefits. They knew exactly what I meant and talked me through an impressive offering, a part of which I will share with you now.

• Free parking at the office – This is a biggy. If you commute by car you could be paying upwards of £30/week and then still must walk for another 10 minutes just to get to your office.
• 09:00-5:30 hours with overtime not expected – Wow, no more staying in the office until 7pm or later when you could be with your family or enjoying some you time.
• 3 days free at Christmas – No need to resent using your holiday entitlement for the festive period!
• Flexi-hours on a Friday – Whether you want to beat the traffic, see your kids or hit the bar early, who wouldn’t love flexi-hours on a Friday?
• Free fruit basket – Healthy snacking is hard in a busy world, so ditch the crisps and grab an apple… for free!
• Multiple social events – From celebrating a colleagues’ birthday to a summer party with your colleagues or a Christmas doo with partners invited and hotels paid for… a social environment helps build happy and healthy relationships in the office and is also damned good fun!
• Employees helpline – Life is stressful and it’s good to talk. This client offers a phone advice service 24/7/365. Whether it’s a problem at home, work or in your private life, this free and 100% confidential support line is there for when you need a little help.

How does this measure up?

I’d love to hear your thoughts… What does your company offer? What is your package missing?

This is just part of the offering from one of our multi-disciplinary clients in Berkshire… If you want to know more about roles in this company, please follow these links: –

Building Surveyor

Senior Building Surveyor

Quantity Surveyor

If you are based elsewhere in the South East then please click here to visit our website and search for Surveyor jobs in your area – www.hdsurveyors.com