Would you forego a pay rise in favour of better workplace perks? 

It may seem hard to believe, but according to recruitment firm Robert Half, almost seven in ten workers say they would do just that. 

However, the benefits employers are asking for aren't lifestyle freebies such as gym memberships or free breakfast. 

Instead, they want their companies to fork out for learning opportunities and training  courses which will advance their career and future prospects.

This makes sense, as employers are increasingly choosing to hire based on jobseekers' skills, rather than previous work experience alone, according to research by Linkedin.

Robert Half says the demand for workplace education options indicates a shift in workplace priorities 'from short-term gain to long-term capability building'.

Now, just three per cent of workers say they would never exchange a higher salary for career advancement opportunities. 

Areas staff are keen to be trained in include artificial intelligence, data literacy and leadership development training. 

At the same time employers are raising salaries for roles that involve data analytics, generative AI, project management, financial strategy and compliance, Robert Half says. 

Matt Weston, senior managing director UK & Ireland at the recruitment firm, adds: 'The market is now pricing in capability, not tenure. Professionals fluent in data analytics and business intelligence, AI, project leadership, financial strategy and compliance are at the top of employers' wish lists – and salary bands.

'What distinguishes these skills is their transferable impact. They create clarity, speed and resilience – attributes every board values in uncertain conditions.

'Competitive pay still matters, but the best offers now go to those who can drive performance through insight and innovation. In today's market, skills aren't just valuable, they are what defines future growth.'

What other benefits do staff want?

Not all benefits are looked on so favourably by employees.

Some four in ten employers offer company car options, but only seven per cent of employees have used these in the past 12 months, according to data from workplace benefits platform Epassi UK, shared exclusively with This is Money.

In comparison, private medical insurance is being increasingly favoured by employees as NHS waiting lists continue to increase.

A quarter, 25 per cent, of workers said private medical insurance is the most important benefit they look for, even though it is only offered by just under half of employers. 

In comparison, hybrid working benefits, which have becoming increasingly popular since the Covid pandemic, were only viewed as the top workplace benefit by 24 per cent of workers. Hybrid working is offered by some 57 per cent of employers, Epassi said.

Matt Russell, chief executive of Epassi UK, said: 'Demand for private healthcare insurance continues to rise and employers need to ensure they're investing in the right benefits to offer the support their workforce is calling for.'

As few as 16 per cent of workers said they thought they had access to private medical care, indicating that despite its demand, employers are not communicating to staff that they offer it as a benefit.

Almost a quarter of people said they don't think their employer cares about their wellbeing.

Russell added: 'Many employees remain unaware of the benefits they are eligible for and in too many cases are missing out on perks they could be utilising. Employers need to improve communication to clearly explain the benefits on offer, as well as boost engagement to ensure that they and their employees are getting value for money.'

'Without regular and effective communication, employers cannot fully understand the support their workforce is calling for.'