Which employee benefits do workers value most? A recent study asked this question to 1,400 Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) from around the country.

According to their responses, employees overwhelmingly favor the opportunity to have flexible schedules. These alternative work schedules provide employees with the adaptability to adjust the traditional work schedule to fit their predilection. While not all companies can provide this benefit, "firms that can offer this benefit may have an advantage when recruiting and retaining staff," states Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps of Menlo Park, which developed the survey.

Based on the study's findings, retirement savings plans ranked second, followed by extra time off, spot bonuses, and health benefits. Equity incentives were the least appreciated benefit offered by employers. The graph below provides a breakdown of these findings.

This study was developed by Accountemps and conducted by an independent research firm. Participants sampled included CFOs from U. S. companies with 20 or more employees.