Almost 50% of staff have cited flexible working arrangements as the most important benefit offered by employers, according to a survey from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Of the 1,167 people surveyed performance related bonuses came second at 19% and 15% of respondents say a good company pension plan is the best perk an employer can offer.

"Two years of recession have changed people's attitude towards work. With companies mindful of taking on new employees, existing staff have been expected to do more with less. Our survey indicates that employees may be feeling the pressure, with large numbers hoping for a better work-life balance in the future," said Michael Rendell, head of human resource services at PwC.