There seems to be a shift happening in the consciousness of the employment world. Humankind has decided that they deserve to live their lives as opposed to life driving them; living a life where they barely remember how to be a part of their families. People are no longer willing to give up the joy in life for their jobs.
It’s not just the millennials who are demanding more freedom to care for themselves and their families; the retiring generations aren’t retiring, many of them cannot afford it. So with these changes continuing to evolve, what do your employees want from you as an employer?
In these chaotic days, where small business owners struggle to hire and retain good employees. What is needed is insight into what makes a difference in maintaining good relationships with employees. If you know what today’s employees want you’ll know how to adjust your business for this change in demands.
Zig Ziglar said it right when he said: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want.” Here are some of the top considerations employees want from their employers:
Employees Want to Do What They Do Best –
According to Glassdoor – Approximately 6 out of 10 employees say that it’s important to them that they are allowed by their employers to do the things that they excel at. Employees must have the ability to use their strengths, lest they become bored and frustrated. This can be remedied by:
• Focus more on the potential employee’s strengths as opposed to a conversation focused solely on the position you would like to fill.
• Inquire about the employee’s long-term career goals.
• Once an employee is on board, work toward the creation of a personal plan that will both benefit your business and will also let them know that the development of their skills matters to you.
Today’s Employees Stress The Importance of Work-Life Balance –
According to Gallup, 53 percent of U.S. employees say that working in a role that will allow them a greater work-life balance as well as personal well-being is very important in the jobs they are willing to consider as compatible with their desire for their lives.
What You Can Offer –
• Flextime or remote working options (Gallup is reporting 51% of the surveyed employees would change to a job offering flextime).
• Encourage employees to take advantage of work-life balance options.
• Set a good example and take advantage of work-life balance opportunities yourself. If you work non-stop, your employees won’t feel comfortable exercising their options.
• While offering remote options, be sure that you create a team environment of inclusiveness for your remote workers.
Employees Want Job Security –
Were you aware that according to the 2017 Rand Employer Brand Research Report surveys show that 45 percent of the employees stated that job security and stability would be one of the most important gauges of the attractiveness of the position being offered? Gen X employees are just as interested in this aspect of the job they select as millennials.
How to Approach This –
• If you take the time to share your story about how your business had begun and how it’s progressing, candidates can see the security and stability of your company.
• Also, share your vision for the future of your business.
• Explain to your employees how you plan to meet your goals and how your employees will fit into your plans to reach the goals you’ve set, and how you will reward them for improving the business.
Employees Are Seeking Increase in Income –
Men and women alike are seeking an increase in income and feel that this is a critical aspect in consideration of a new position. Money isn’t everything though. According to Gallup, for most potential employees, when it comes to employees making rational decisions vs. emotional decisions, emotions win.
What You Can Do –
• At the very least you must ensure that you’re offering wages that are competitive with other employers in your industry within your surrounding communities.
• Money isn’t the only contributing factor, but also the opportunities your business will offer.
• Offer the ability for promotions and incremental pay increases based on performance.
• Creation of various levels of expertise that lie within the employment roles, so there is still hope in the event, they don’t make it to manager or supervisor.
• Be sure that there will always be opportunities to learn and grow; and most importantly, ensure that they will be rewarded as they evolve in their positions.
They Want a Chance to Work for a Reputable Brand –
Many employees state that this aspect of their job consideration is very important to them.
How This Works –
• Utilize PR, marketing, and social media to build your reputation for your business and its brand.
• Share all of the news about your business, i.e., media coverage, community activities you’ve been involved in, awards your company may have achieved.
These are some of the things that our research has discovered to help you know what current and future employees are seeking in their current and future work experiences.
If you have other ideas that have been effective in working with your current employees and candidates, please share them with our interested readers here.
At Cogent Analytics, we never stop looking for ways to improve your business and neither should you. So, check out some of our other posts for helpful business information:
