All work and no play makes for a dull summer, a new survey suggests. Flexible schedules (38 percent) and leaving work early on Fridays (32 percent) are the most coveted summer benefits, according to workers polled.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with 457 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in an office environment.

Workers were asked, "Which of the following summer benefits would you most like to have?" Their responses:

Flexible schedules 38%
Leave early on Fridays 32%
Activities (e.g., company picnic, potluck) 6%
More relaxed dress code 5%
Other 4%
Don't know/no answer 15%

"Employees appreciate flexibility in their jobs because it gives them greater control and enables them to handle other commitments without sacrificing their work performance," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam.

Flexible scheduling is an inexpensive way to keep employees motivated. To ensure customer service doesn't suffer, Hosking suggested that businesses stagger workers' schedules to maximize the total number of hours employees are available to assist customers. "Companies should pilot flexible schedule programs before rolling them out permanently," Hosking recommended. "This gives businesses time to evaluate the impact on workflow and productivity."

Even if companies aren't able to implement flexible schedules, allowing employees to occasionally leave early on Fridays can have a positive effect on morale, Hosking noted. "Many workers schedule weekend trips during the summer and appreciate a head start on their travels," he said.