Tim Kealy is an NJ-based business development professional who has years of experience building strong teams and leading them to success within the workforce. In a post-pandemic business landscape, Tim acknowledges that there are many ways that industries have changed. One particularly interesting development is that there has been a marked change in what employees are looking for from their jobs as they explore opportunities and look to grow their acumen. Below, Mr. Kealy provides a few insights on what teams are specifically looking for and how organizations can work to attract and retain top talent with these needs in mind.

What Do Employees Really Want in 2023?

As we approach Q4 of 2023, it is important to discuss the wants and needs of employees because these factors will continue to have an impact on industries in 2024 and beyond. Tim Kealy speaks about how understanding what employees are looking for from their career experiences is critical for businesses that want to entice top talent and lead innovation in their respective fields. From compiling data from a variety of sites poling employees, Tim has found that a few of the most common desires among workforces include:

Flexibility

Experts have found that, last year, more than half of the workforce was considering moving to hybrid or full-time remote positions. This is a trend that was initially kicked off during the pandemic, where many office jobs switched to remote and hybrid options to keep their workforces healthy. As some companies continue with hybrid and remote configurations, we have seen that there has even been a push for hybrid flexibility on the front lines. Frontline workers who notoriously were not provided with as much flexibility as other workers during the early days of the pandemic are beginning to seek more control over their schedules in the form of who they work with, what they work on, the amount that they work, access to paid leave, etc. Tim finds that workplace flexibility encompasses a variety of factors beyond just whether or not an environment is hybrid or remote. For example, flexibility is sought after by workers in the form of flexible hours, office shutdowns for holidays, four day work weeks, and even dog-friendly office spaces. There are a few incentives for businesses that can maintain remote and hybrid setups. Notably, experts suggest that they can increase productivity, inspire healthier work-life balance, save costs for both employees and employers, etc.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits have always been important to employees, however, the growing cost of living crisis, competitive talent market, and uncertainty regarding the economy have made this even more critical. Jobs that offer above the market average are particularly attractive to employees in 2023, but Tim finds that even companies that can only offer around the market average can attract workers through comprehensive benefits packages, enhanced leave, bonus schemes, and share options. Reports have shown that many employees are setting their sights on benefits packages in industries where wages are not currently keeping up with inflation. A few of the most popular according to the consensus are self-care days, access to online training and coaching programs, enhanced family leave, 4-day working weeks, early end times on Fridays, and enhanced pensions.

Healthy, Supportive Workplace Culture

In the past few years, we have seen a growing emphasis on company culture, especially as it relates to attracting and retaining employees. The fact is that employees are more interested in how a company and its leadership team treats its employees than ever, and some workers are willing to even work at companies that pay marginally less if the work-life balance and overall culture of the company is favorable. What exactly a healthy workplace culture includes can vary from employee to employee, but there are certainly a number of things that workers have come to expect from the best environments. Low employee turnover, a sense of purpose, concern for workers’ physical and mental well-being, minimal office politics, employee diversity, an emphasis on collaboration, and constructive conflict resolution strategies are just a few of the top examples.

Focus on Employee Wellness

Mental health awareness has grown significantly for a wide range of reasons, with the pandemic, fights for social justice, and the ongoing mental health crisis standing out as a few examples. Since many employees spend the lion’s share of their time during the week at work, it makes sense that there is an ever-growing interest in companies that have built a reputation for focusing on employee mental health. Employees who are savvy about the importance of mental health and its impact on productivity, job performance, and overall career motivation are on the lookout for work settings that boast emotionally intelligent management, increased options for where, when, and how they work, comprehensive health insurance policies that include mental health, platforms for employee feedback, the list goes on.

Advancement Opportunities and Direction

Advancement opportunities and direction can be difficult for employees to assess before they have stepped into the role, however, research suggests that they are both vital to their decision on whether or not to stay. Many employees in this competitive work landscape are interested in growing their acumen and advancing within their fields, and there will always be a preference for roles that provide the opportunity to continue learning and building towards new responsibilities. Direction is key here. With transparency regarding the goals of an employee’s position, KPIs, and a comprehensive plan for helping employees reach their heights, workers can work more effectively and prepare for advancement opportunities. Tim Kealy also finds that companies investing in their employees through leadership training and optional courses is becoming more common as they realize how beneficial these strategies can be for both parties.

Takeaways for Businesses Interested in Attracting and Maintaining Top Employees

When it comes down to it, employees in 2023 seem to flock to businesses that take their needs into account and are continuously working to avoid stagnating. Flexibility, competitive pay and benefits, a healthy environment, focus on employee wellness, and opportunities for advancement are clear winners for attracting and maintaining high-quality employees, but there are dozens of other ways for organizations to do so. If leaders are able to leverage self-reflection to put themselves in employees’ shoes, they can better evaluate what they offer and remain a competitive option. Honesty goes a long way here. Is your company a place where a talented employee would feel supported and empowered to grow? If so, you are likely on the list of organizations that employees are interested in joining! If not, there are many ways that you can make changes with the employee experience in mind.