A Censuswide survey of 2,005 British workers has found that more than 1 in 4 aren’t making the most of their workplace benefits. This is despite 91% of respondents being aware of the benefits on offer to them – pointing to a disconnect between what workers want and what they’re being offered.

A survey* has found that the vast majority of respondents were aware of all the employee benefits currently offered by their company (although awareness tails off amongst over-55s).

But a significant gap emerged between the awareness and uptake of benefits. Asked whether they made use of their benefits, just 28% of respondents answered ‘always’, whilst 27% answered ‘no’. Uptake also declined consistently with age, and was lower amongst women.

Evolving workplace benefits have become essential ammunition in the war for talent and can help individuals offset living costs and save for the future. But it’s clear that current schemes, which tend to remain fixed and inflexible, are failing to keep pace with the needs of staff.

Ally Fekaiki, founder of Juno, comments:  “The gap between awareness and uptake of workplace benefits points to a worrying disconnect between employees’ needs and the support available to them.

“Despite most people knowing what’s on offer, the majority aren’t always using them. That’s a massive waste of investment for the companies, as well as a missed opportunity to engage with and support staff.

“Individual employees know best what serves their health and happiness. Empowering staff to choose their own benefits is the best way to ensure optimum take up, minimise waste, and maximise employee satisfaction.”

*Survey commissioned by Juno