Half of candidates would turn down a job that doesn’t offer this benefit

Employers offering spousal benefits are more likely to attract new employees and retain the ones they already have, a new study from staffing firm Spherion shows.

The survey, which polled employed U.S. adults, found 46% of employees would turn down a new job that doesn’t offer benefits for spouses. Harris Poll conducted the survey in January on behalf of Spherion.

Nearly three out of four survey respondents whose employers offer spousal benefits said they are more likely to stay with the organization because of these benefits; while more than three in four employees, or 78%, who don’t receive spousal benefits said they would be more likely to stay at their company if spousal benefits were offered.

Likewise, 72% of workers who receive spousal benefits said they are more satisfied with their job because their employer offers these benefits; and 77% of respondents who do not receive spousal benefits said they would be more satisfied if their employer provided them.

The survey also found that 70% of employees believe it’s more important for them to prioritize their personal life over their career; and 72% of men and 73% of women said they were willing to focus less on their career for the sake of their partner’s career and family life.

“These findings illustrate that many workers are making their personal lives, their relationships and their families their top priorities, even ahead of their careers, in many instances,” says Sandy Mazur, Spherion’s division president. “For most employees, work/life balance is a top priority and their job responsibilities must be able to be integrated into their personal lives for them to define their careers as successful.”