Forty-one percent of employees report that flexible scheduling is the most important benefit while 28 percent of employees say the ability to leave work early Fridays is the top benefit, making for the top two in-demand benefits this summer, according to a recent OfficeTeam.

The survey also shows that more employers are open to those benefits as 75 percent of human resources managers say their companies offer flexible schedules during the summer, and 63 percent of HR managers say workers are permitted to leave early on Fridays.

Besides flexible schedules and shorter Fridays, employees say they would like other benefits such as a company picnic or potluck at 11 percent and a more relaxed dress code at 5 percent. For HR manager respondents, they say they would prefer a more relaxed dress code at 57 percent and a company picnic or potluck at 28 percent.

"Workers appreciate having more control over their schedules as they juggle personal and professional obligations," says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Organizations that don't offer summer benefits in some form may be missing out on a way to increase employee morale and retention. Businesses introducing flexible work arrangements should establish clear policies to ensure productivity isn't negatively affected. It's beneficial to stagger schedules and cross-train individuals, so there's always staff coverage. Conducting regular check-ins with team members who have alternate hours also helps keep projects on track."