Marvin OnumonuResearch from Robert Half found 70% of workers said they would consider upskilling and professional development opportunities instead of higher pay, when the salary offered is below expectations.
This came as the Chancellor announced £1.4bn investment for Manchester’s businesses and skills.
Financial and well-being support were in high demand among workers, with mental health support, meal vouchers and commuting discounts topping the wish list.
Well-being perks were found to be increasingly important, with over half of workers saying mental health support would influence their decision to join or stay with a company, and 51% citing gym memberships as a deciding factor.
As the cost-of-living crisis continued, employees were looking for financial aid from employers, including commuting discounts (59%), company car allowance (67%) and meal vouchers (59%).
Catherine Henry, branch director at Robert Half, said: “With the city entering a transformative period, it could be set to become one of the UK’s most dynamic economic hubs.
“But this growth brings a challenge: competition for talent will be fierce. Our latest research shows that salary alone is simply no longer enough to secure the best people.
“Manchester’s workers are redefining what matters in the workplace and while salary will always have its place, our data shows that flexibility, career development, and well-being support are now critical factors in attracting and retaining talent.”
Henry added: “Employers who fail to adapt to this trend risk losing out to other businesses that respond to the changing demands of talent today.
“Offering perks such as mental health support, gym memberships, and work from home allowances aren’t just about keeping people happy, they are about building a resilient workforce and staying competitive in a market where skilled professionals have options.
“The companies that act now will be the ones that thrive in Manchester’s next chapter of growth.”
