The one benefit that staff REALLY want

Although flexible work schedules, a health and wellbeing programme and free food are amongst some of the most popular work perks, new research finds employees would rather have access to their companies stock purchase plans.

16% of employees said their companies employee stock purchase plan is their most important benefit, (up from 10% in 2014) according to a new survey by Fidelity Investments.

One in five workers in the US expect their company stock to significantly increase over the next three years - CNBC news reports.

Workers can purchase company stock through their employee stock purchase plan at a discount, with qualified plans being up to15% below the current market price. Nonqualified plans can provide even greater discounts.