2023 HR trends: Top Priorities For Employees In The New Normal
The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges and it’s forced companies across the world to ask themselves, “what did we learn as an organization?”
One glaring change spanning every industry and sector has been accelerated digital transformation, and what it’s done is demanded that organizations rethink how they attract, maintain, and manage talent. As the workforce has evolved, so have employee’s expectations. Today’s employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. According to recent polls, they want wellbeing programs, a sense of purpose, competitive pay, work-life balance, and a supportive company culture. Here we explore these fundamentals and how you can create a workplace that meets your employees’ needs.
With widespread workplace stress, employees today need to know that companies are prioritizing wellbeing. Stress at work affects not only the health of the individual employee, but also their relationships with others. A recent Surgeon General report on Mental Health and Wellbeing states that 81% of employees say it’s important that their future workplace supports mental health. Employee wellbeing programs are becoming an essential benefit.
According to a recent article in Forbes, “the majority of employees are looking for meaningful work that aligns with their personal values.” This means that they want to feel like their work makes a difference in the world and contributes to a larger purpose. As an employer, you can help create this sense of purpose by clearly articulating your company’s mission and values and tying individual employee goals to that mission.
A recent Gallup article revealed that 64% of polled employees marked benefits and pay as one of the most important factors when considering a job, in fact, Gallup says it tops the list as the number 1 cause of the “Great Reshuffling” of talent happening in the workforce. Employers are forced to choose between retaining top, committed talent by offering competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and growth opportunities, or confronting the possibility of dissatisfied employees and frequent turnover.
Employees today care about better work-life balance. They want to be able to pursue their passions and spend time with their families without sacrificing their careers. A recent Harvard Business Review article found that “flexibility is the key to work-life balance.” This means that employers need to offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work options, flexible hours, and paid time off. Many employers are even offering personal days and mental health days to ensure their employees know wellbeing is a priority.
Employees today seem to be in unison that a company’s culture matters. They want to work for an organization that cares about their well-being and fosters a sense of community. A recent Inc. article states that “employees who feel supported by their organization are more engaged and productive.” To create a supportive culture, employers should focus on building strong relationships with employees, providing opportunities for professional development, and recognizing employees’ achievements.
In summary, as employee expectations have evolved over the last couple of years, the onus is on employers to better understand these needs and take steps to create a workplace that meets them. By doing so, you’re cultivating an environment that attracts and retains top talent and helps inspire a healthier, happier workplace.
References:
Forbes: Top Ten HR Trends For The 2023 Workplace
Forbes: New Study: What People Want From Work And 3 Ways To Create It
Gallup: The Top 6 Things Employees Want in Their Next Job
Harvard Business Review: What Your Future Employees Want Most