We’ve all read the headlines…3.5% unemployment – the lowest since 1974…“There are two open positions for every worker out there that is potentially looking for a job…There are actually more open positions plus filled positions than there are workers in the workforce. And that’s relatively new territory.”, says Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed.com.

So what are job seekers looking for from a workplace and how do employers use this information to attract top talent?  

Aligned Values

While once jobseekers were attracted to a role with the carrot of a big remuneration package, post covid, the landscape has changed.  Job seekers are looking for companies that are aligned with their values and a workplace where they can bring their ‘whole self’ to work, says Hyams.  They are looking for an employer who will look out for them as a human being and cares about both their physical and mental wellbeing.  A podcast featuring Hyams and Fortune’s Alan Murray and Ellen McGirt discuss how people find meaning in their life and how companies attract the best people to create the most value.  

Employees are looking for workplaces where they can bring their whole selves to work. Hyams says, “where an employer is going to look out for them as a whole human being, that is going to care about their physical health [and] their mental health.” Hyams, Murray, and McGirt also discuss breaking down systemic biases and barriers in hiring, and how to help job seekers expand their understanding of their skill sets.

Flexibility

Flexibility is also becoming increasingly important.  Research shows demand for flexible work is growing:

• Among millennials, 92% “identify flexibility as a top priority when job hunting”
• 80% of women are looking for flexibility in their next role
• 79% of employees believe “flexible working would make them more productive”

Post-covid, the ability for employees to work remotely is becoming increasingly important:

Many workers have embraced the flexibility of a hybrid or remote work environment and now expect employers to make it a permanent change in the workplace, according to a Bankrate survey.   Some employees even suggest that it’s a greater priority than higher wages.

Career Progression

After 2 years of their careers being stalled, many job seekers are keen to get their career back on track, they are keen to learn new skills and have confidence their career will progress in the longer term. Tiger Recruitment surveyed workers during the pandemic and found that many were concerned more about their career than their health.  Eight in Ten said they were quite or very concerned about what the pandemic will mean for their future career opportunities.  Younger workers (16-24) were very concerned about how working from home might impact their on-the-job training.  Now candidates are looking to make up for lost time and looking for employers who offer generous training programs.

If you would like to understand more about jobseeker expectations, speak to the team at Flexi Personnel.