Attracting top talent is often challenging, especially in the current labor market. For recruiters and employers alike, having a clear understanding of the attributes that these in-demand individuals are desiring can help your hiring efforts. Although many factors have been consistent through the years, candidates are also now looking for variations of the perks and benefits they have been accustomed to. In the following article, we have researched and organized some of the main attributes that top talent looks for in an ideal employer to give you better insight.
The right company culture and one that supports your values
As we have touched upon in previous articles, job seekers are evaluating the culture and values of an organization when considering a position. As one of the most important attributes that are considered, finding a company that they feel would satisfy them ranks high amongst most candidates. Your mission, core values, leadership, management style, fun factor, diversity, and other traits will be closely compared to other organizations.
Job seekers will be using social media and sites like Comparably to hear what current and past employees have to say about these important traits. They want the ability to visualize themselves engaged, happy, and part of something that is purposeful and worthwhile.
A company with the right work/life balance
More than ever, employees highly value a work/life balance. Gone are the days of working 10 hours per day, missing your children’s dance recitals or sporting events, and putting work above anything else. The pandemic has helped shift this mentality to favor what matters most to employees, which is often family, friends, and less overall stress when it comes to their workload. According to recent data, 66% of full-time employees in the U.S. do not strongly believe they have work-life balance. And 51% of workers say they have missed important life events because of work commitments. When searching for new career opportunities, this attribute will be one of the most important for many job seekers.
Flexibility with schedules and remote or hybrid work location
If you are not providing flexible remote, hybrid, or similar schedules for your employees, your organization is at a major disadvantage. Employees are now highly valuing the flexibility that is now much more prominent with companies ever since the pandemic began. These types of arrangements factor into the work/life balance mentioned above and will be in high demand for the foreseeable future. Candidates will be looking for clearly communicated and defined policies and procedures surrounding this topic so that there are no surprises or changes after they begin their employment.
Attractive perks such as child care and family benefits
With the rise in hybrid and remote work locations, millions of employees are faced with new challenges. For one, taking care of their children and their family obligations may look different now or be more difficult. Companies that understand this and are empathetic to these needs will be attractive to future job seekers and can help attract talent. New employees will be comparing the perks and benefits being offered, and many times things like child care and other family-oriented benefits will help sway these decisions.
Advancement opportunities for career growth
Top talent is often in high demand and many times they have the upper hand when it comes to choosing a new position and company to work for. One attribute that skews value for employers is the upward mobility and advancement opportunities within. Providing the right training, mentorship, and career paths are highly desirable and expected for these individuals. Job seekers will be looking for profitable or well-funded companies that are expected to grow and succeed for many years to come.
Diversity and inclusion are highly desirable
As millennials and Gen Z continue to flood the job market, the importance of diversity and inclusion has catapulted to new heights. As these and other generations look for employment, identifying and researching organizations that have a diverse workforce will stand out from those that do not. Candidates want to feel that they fit in with the team, and finding a team that is well represented regarding cultures, races, and genders will be a deciding factor. Organizations that focus on diversity as part of their overall culture will continue to attract and retain more talent.
As discussed, top talent will continue to expect certain attributes from their ideal employers, regardless of the existing labor market conditions. Companies worldwide are making necessary adjustments to their overall hiring strategies and practices, as the costs of churn continue to spike. Knowing and understanding the desires of your current and potential employees will remain a fundamentally critical aspect to reducing those costs and getting ahead of the competition. One thing is for certain, these and similar attributes that are sought out by employees will remain for many years to come.
