In today’s competitive job market, companies go to great lengths to make their roles more attractive, often touting a range of ‘perks’ to lure top talent. But are these perks really as valuable as they seem? And do they know what candidates really want?

We recently ran a poll asking our network: What’s the most overrated “perk” in job ads? The results were quite telling.

The most overrated job perks, according to our respondents, were:

Laptop & phone for work – 41%

Basic holiday allowance – 31%

“Flexible” but not really – 16%

Company car/expenses – 13%

So, what do these results tell us? Let’s break it down.

1. Laptop & Phone for Work – A Necessity, Not a Perk

The clear “winner” (or should we say loser) of the poll, a company-provided laptop and phone, is often marketed as a job benefit. But in reality, these are just the basic tools needed to perform a job. Candidates increasingly expect employers to provide the right tools without dressing them up as something special!

In industries like IT, Telecoms, and Engineering, having a company laptop and phone isn’t a luxury but an essential. If you’re hiring network engineers, IT support specialists, or field service engineers, providing the tools they need to do their jobs is the bare minimum.

2. Basic Holiday Allowance – The Bare Minimum

Standard holiday allowance isn’t a compelling reason to accept a job offer. Many companies still stick to the statutory minimum, but in an era where work-life balance is becoming more important, employees are looking for additional paid leave, unlimited PTO policies, or even sabbaticals.

Engineering and technology professionals work in high-pressure environments where burnout is a real concern. Companies that only offer the statutory holiday allowance are missing an opportunity to attract and retain top talent!

3. “Flexible” But Not Really – A Broken Promise

Flexibility is one of the most sought-after aspects of modern work. However, too many companies claim to offer flexibility but fall short when it comes to execution. If ‘flexible work’ still means rigid hours, mandatory office days, or micromanagement, employees are quick to see through it.

For many roles in technology and communications, true flexibility isn’t just about working from home; it’s about asynchronous work, outcome-based performance, and trust. Engineers and tech professionals value genuine autonomy, not just a token ‘hybrid work’ setup that still demands rigid hours and micromanagement.

4. Company Car/Expenses – Not for Everyone

While company cars and expense accounts used to be status symbols, they don’t hold the same universal appeal anymore. With the rise of remote work and sustainability concerns, many professionals would rather have a better salary, remote work options, or public transport benefits instead.

What Do Candidates Actually Want?

If these perks aren’t moving the needle, what really attracts top candidates in our space?

• True Flexibility – Remote options, flexible hours, and results-driven performance metrics.
• Tech Investment – Access to cutting-edge tools, software, and training to stay ahead.
• Career Progression – Clear growth paths, mentorship programs, and leadership development.
• Competitive Compensation – Salary structures that reflect skill level, experience, and market demand.
• Well-being & Support – Mental health programs, additional leave options, and work-life balance initiatives.

Final Thoughts

For employers in Technology, Engineering, and Communications, the key takeaway is this: candidates see through superficial perks. The real game-changers are meaningful benefits that support career growth, well-being, and work-life balance.

Are you struggling to attract top talent? At CRG TEC, we connect companies with the professionals they need, without the fluff.

What’s the most overrated job perk you’ve come across?