WHEN IT COMES to what executives value, it seems after the salary, annual leave is most important incentive. A survey of 10,821 executives by recruitment agency HRM found that while salary remained the most important, next up was the amount of annual leave on offer.

After this came performance bonuses and health cover and life assurance. The lowest ranking incentive out of nine options was the company car.

According to the report, to attract and keep happy and loyal staff, companies have to think about the hidden perks they offer in return for productivity and discretionary effort.