Law‑Firm Workers Are Saying, “Give Me a Raise, Not a Fancy Badge!”
New Zest research shows that folks working in the legal trenches are hungry for hard‑cash support, not just generic perks. While every sector’s workforce wants a wellness kit or a gym subscription, legal staff are pushing for the basics that keep them breathing.
Energy Bills, Grocery Dress‑Downs, and That Impossible “Office Home” Warehouse
- 75 % want help paying black‑out energy bills or vouchers for a grocery run.
- Only 68 % of the wider workforce feels the same pull, with education folks trailing at 58 %.
Top “Must‑Have” Perks—According to Lawyers
- Private health insurance tops the list (40 %). Everyone wants a backup plan for those sudden “unexpected” hospital visits.
- Higher pension contributions – 33 % say their future selves deserve a better nest egg.
- Help with home energy costs and childcare support — each 25 % want a bite‑size subsidy that turns life’s bills into manageable bites.
- Well‑being allowance (24 %) keeps the mind sharp and the coffee strong.
- Discounts on high street shops and gear for working from home (22 %)—because who doesn’t want a cheaper laptop or a comfy chair?
Why the Crunch is Gettin’ Real Hard
Three‑quarters of legal employees (76 %) want employers to step up investment in benefits. “If we don’t sweat the perks, we’re losing talent,” the data says. In fact, 61 % would switch firms for better perks over a higher salary.
60 % employability families feel their benefits are unused, and 52 % think the offers are just not enough. Only 61 % notice value for money in current packages.
Resistance to Change
Law firms admit that raising wages in line with inflation isn’t budging—23 % say they bump up atly, yet 22 % give up on new hires. Minimising costs through smarter benefits is the silver lining, says the CFO of Zest.
Personalised Perks for Reality‑Check Passes
Almost every firm (98 %) wants to personalize benefits, but 85 % of them feel that’s too hard. Tech to the rescue? Employee benefits platforms can level the grid and make it easier—for both staff and firms.
CEO Matt Russell’s Final Word
“Lawyers are feeling the heat of living costs more and more,” he said. “We’re asking for more E‑Bills or supermarket discounts, a real jump in benefit investment, and not a car with a fancy plaque. If you’re a law firm, personalize the package and you’re on the winning team.”
What’s next?
Zest, boasting half a million plus employees across 500 firms, claims its award‑winning platform makes benefits flexibly tailored—like a lawyer’s briefcase that fits your case, not a one‑size‑fits‑all brief.
