A survey found that more than half of engineers would gladly trade a higher salary for better benefits, meaningful roles, or a better work-life balance.
Randstad, a recruitment company, conducted a global survey of 26,000 engineers (500 in the UK), and found that 52% would prefer to trade higher wages for benefits like gym access or childcare.
A similar percentage of respondents (50%) stated that they have already given up a higher salary in exchange for a role with greater meaning. Over three quarters (78%) said they felt “future-ready” to use technology such as AI.
The vast majority of respondents (84%) said that work-life balance is the most important factor when they are evaluating new jobs. More than half of respondents (58%) stated that they would quit a job if it made them feel unwelcome.
Sander van’t Noordende said about the findings, “Talent is no longer making career choices in the engineering industry based on salary and job content alone.”
They are looking for roles that reflect their values and promote a sense belonging. Flexibility and purpose should be expected as a minimum. This is also a workforce that is highly future-focused, eager to learn new technologies and develop lasting skills.
He added that employers who invest both in personal alignment and in professional growth are more likely to be able to retain their employees, as well as innovate.
Subscribe to our weekly HR news and guidance
Every Wednesday, receive the Personnel Today Direct newsletter.
Personnel Today has HR jobs in the manufacturing and engineering sector.
Browse HR jobs in the Engineering and Manufacturing Sector
