What Employees Seek in a New Employer

What Employees Seek in a New Employer: Insights from Debbie Burbage Recruitment

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top-tier talent has become a significant challenge for employers. Companies need to understand what employees are looking for in a new employer. Thus, creating a workplace that not only recruits but also retains exceptional talent. In this blog post, we will discuss what employees desire in a new employer, drawing insights from Debbie Burbage Recruitment, a local, established recruitment agency, and share our own perspective on this crucial topic.

Flexible Working, Including Flexible Hours, Workweek Compression, Part-time Employment, Job Sharing, and Hybrid Working

In recent years, the concept of flexible working has dramatically increased in importance. Employees value the ability to manage their work schedules to accommodate personal responsibilities and achieve a better work-life balance. Debbie Burbage Recruitment’s findings reveal that a growing number of job seekers prioritise various forms of flexible working options, these being:

Flexible Hours (Flexitime): This approach allows employees to adjust their daily start and finish times to suit their individual needs. Flexitime provides them with greater control over their working hours, enabling them to manage personal commitments effectively.

Workweek Compression: Offering a compressed workweek, where employees work longer hours on fewer days, provides extended weekends and the potential to significantly enhance work-life balance.

Part-time Employment: Some individuals prefer part-time roles to accommodate family commitments, education pursuits, or other interests. Providing part-time options can attract candidates who seek a reduced workload.

Job Sharing: Job sharing involves two employees splitting responsibilities for a single role. This arrangement offers flexibility for employees while ensuring that tasks are covered effectively.

Hybrid Working: Hybrid working combines office-based and remote work, allowing employees to choose the best environment for their tasks. It offers both flexibility and the opportunity to strike a balance between in-person collaboration and remote productivity.

Additional Benefits, Including Death in Service, Bonuses, Wellbeing, and Upskilling Courses

Beyond the base salary, employees are looking for additional benefits that improve their overall job satisfaction and financial security. Debbie Burbage Recruitment discovered that benefits like Death in Service, which provides financial support to the employee’s family in case of an unfortunate event, are highly valued. Additionally, bonuses, such as performance-based incentives, provide employees with tangible rewards for their hard work.

Aside from monetary rewards, prioritising employee wellbeing is crucial. Benefits such as access to mental health resources, gym memberships, or wellness programs can contribute to a healthier and happier workforce. Employees want to work for employers who care about their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Another sought-after benefit is access to upskilling and personal development courses. Companies that invest in their employees’ growth by offering opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement are more likely to attract candidates who are eager to learn and grow within their roles.

Holidays

A generous holiday policy is another aspect that prospective employees appreciate. Adequate time off allows individuals to recharge, spend quality time with family and friends, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Employers who provide sufficient holiday days often find it easier to attract talented individuals looking for a well-rounded compensation package. Additionally, offering sabbatical leave options, where employees can take extended breaks for personal development, travel, or self-care, can be a significant draw for those seeking a more flexible work-life balance.

Supportive Managers and Team Environment

A supportive manager and a positive team environment are vital factors for job satisfaction. Employees want to work in an atmosphere where their opinions are valued, their ideas are heard, and they receive constructive feedback. Debbie Burbage Recruitment’s research emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of teamwork, mentorship, and professional growth.

Team Building and a Collaborative Workplace

Employees value opportunities for team building and collaboration. Engaging in team-building activities can improve interpersonal relationships, boost morale, and enhance productivity. Employers that prioritise team building activities and create a collaborative work environment are likely to attract candidates who appreciate a sense of community in the workplace.

A Voice and Being Listened To

Every employee wants to have a voice in their workplace and be heard. Companies that encourage open communication and actively seek employee feedback, tend to have higher job satisfaction rates. Employees want to feel that their opinions matter and that their concerns are addressed, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in the company’s success.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of recruitment, understanding what employees are looking for in a new employer is paramount. Debbie Burbage Recruitment’s insights, highlight the importance of flexible working arrangements, additional benefits, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to have a voice in the workplace.

To attract and retain top-tier talent, employers should continually adapt their offerings and workplace culture to align with the evolving preferences of today’s workforce. This ongoing commitment ensures that companies can create an environment where employees thrive; ultimately leading to increased productivity, employee retention, and overall success.