Survey Finds Workers Value Money Over Time

Most employees would take a raise over extra vacation

June 16, 2022

In these times of inflation, employees prefer a pay raise over additional vacation, according to a survey from CareerBuilder.

The survey of U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll found that 66% prefer a 10% pay increase over an additional week of paid time off. Among employed adults, 47% said they most appreciate a good salary alongside job security.

The survey also revealed:

  • 89% of employed adults expect an annual pay increase from their company
  • 46% are looking for a raise of at least 5% and 16% expect a yearly raise of 10% or more each year
  • 49% of employees express confidence that the rise in wages will keep up with inflation, with Generation Z (55%) and millennials (62%) more optimistic than Generation X (38%) and baby boomers (20%)
  • 53% said they must work more than one job to make ends meet, including 66% of millennials, 57% of men, and 49% of women.

“In our most recent survey, the data shows that worker expectations are shifting right alongside inflation. Americans are looking for a larger than average annual pay raise at the same time we’re seeing an increase in the price of consumer goods and services,” said Susan Arthur, CEO of CareerBuilder. “Folks want to be able to earn a salary that matches the rising gas prices or hike in rent, for example.”

Latest Articles

restroom sinks
August 24, 2026 Elizabeth Christenson

Solutions to Top Restroom Challenges

August 24, 2026 Jeff Cross

ISSA Show Goes Big on Robotics, Innovation, and Connections

August 24, 2026 Sean Comerford

5 Plumbing Updates to Simplify Maintenance and Cleaning

Sponsored Articles

New Technology Platform Targets the Hidden 90% of Cleaning Budgets
July 16, 2026 Sponsored by Optisolve

New Technology Platform Targets the Hidden 90% of Cleaning Budgets

July 7, 2026 Dr. Rebecca Bascom & Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner & Dr. Omrana Pasha-Razzak

Evidence-Based Cleaning Ensures Healthy Places and Spaces

July 2, 2026

D.A.R.E. to Clean Restrooms Smarter with Tornado

Recent News

Mosquito sucking blood from human skin

California Reports West Nile Virus Activity at Five-Year High

EPA Offers New Guidance to Reduce Lead Exposure in Drinking Water

Five Tips to Maintain a Hygienic Back-to-School Environment