The most important benefit when selecting an ideal jobs package is flexible working, according to a survey on staff motivation.

The research by Capital Incentives & Motivation found that three in 10 respondents put flexible working top of the list, ahead of pension (19%), car (14%) and an extra week's annual leave.

Further benefits selected were a travel allowance such as a season ticket (6%), laptop (4%), gym membership (3%) and mobile phone (2%).

"The priority of flexible hours is an interesting measure of the importance to employees of achieving a better work-life balance," said Graham Povey, managing director of Capital Incentives & Motivation.

"However, given the ongoing headlines about the future of the state pension, I am surprised that the provision of a company pension arrangement was not selected by a higher percentage of respondents.

"It seems that employees could be failing to take a long-term view of the benefits of a company pension or healthcare scheme and are instead opting for benefits that will have a more immediate impact on their lives."

The poll also revealed that the factor most likely to motivate staff to perform at work was being treated fairly by their boss, with 72% citing this as very important. Having good relationships with colleague was second with 61% while a good salary was third in the list with 56%.

The majority of factors such as job security, leadership, benefits, work load and training increased in importance in 2007, while a good location and work environment remained stable, with 35% of respondents rating it as very important. Fair promotion prospects fell, with 35% of participants rating it very important in comparison to 38% in 2005.

"It is not surprising that ‘being fairly treated' at work has remained the top motivating factor as it is important for all employees to feel that they are valued by their employer," added Povey.