Skoda Survey Concludes Young Workers Want Company Cars

A company car is the most desirable employment benefit for U.K. workers under 25, according to new research by Skoda.

The Czech automaker says 88% of survey respondents say their benefits package is important when negotiating a job, and nearly two-thirds of those cite a company vehicle as a perk that would be of interest.

Desirability for a company car was strongest among young drivers (17-24), with 33% revealing they would be more likely to accept a job if they were offered a vehicle to drive. More than a quarter of young workers say a company car would be the most appealing benefit.

But among all those surveyed, a company-supplied vehicle placed only seventh on the wish list, selected by 17% of respondents.

The survey also finds company cars are a powerful way for businesses to retain staff, with nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they’d be more likely to stay in a job if given a set of work wheels.

In general, company cars were more popular than medical insurance, a mobile phone and frequent training.

Men find the offer of a car more appealing than women, with 68% saying they would accept a job including a company vehicle, compared with 58% of women.

Northern Ireland is the U.K. region where people want company vehicles most, with nearly 40% saying it's an important work benefit.

Henry Williams, in charge of Skoda U.K.’s fleet operations, says the research shows company cars are appealing to workers of all ages, but particularly young people.

“We see this trend strongly outside of London, where many companies are based at out-of­town locations – making a car essential for the daily commute,” Williams says in a statement.