Changing demographics, longer life expectancies, shifting life priorities and global uncertainty brought on by events such as Brexit mean that employers are having to be agile to accommodate workforces with a broad range of needs.
To attract the best staff, companies need to make when, where and how we work negotiable. In today’s recruitment environment, flexible working practices and healthcare are not nice-to-have benefits – they are a core part of workers’ expectations. Staff aren’t coming to work just to earn money – they want to be happy and thrive.
Unlimited annual leave, golden hello packages and annual travel allowances are just some of the perks introduced in recent years. One big insurance company recently announced six months’ fully paid maternity leave. It’s all about accommodating staff.
Sir Cary Cooper, visiting professor at Lancaster University, says the recent changes are linked to the recession. “Out of the ashes has come a culture that says: ‘You work hard for us and we’ll give back to you,’” he says.
So what does a good workplace look like in 2018? “It is one where there is clarity of purpose, authentic leadership and an effective two-way dialogue,” says Niall Ryan-Jones, head of employee experience at Harrods. “Employees are valued and that is shown through compensation, reward, recognition and communication.”
A workplace that reflects the diversity of the markets the company serves is also important, says Chris Wilcock, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) talent acquisition manager at Canon Europe. “A good workplace is where people know what is expected of them, understand how they can contribute to our business goals and, most importantly, know they are valued and trusted to deliver our outcomes,” he explains.
Chris Bruney, EMEA talent acquisition team lead at social media management platform Hootsuite, believes the needs of staff have become more comprehensive over time, and that millennials have brought a different perspective to working life. “I’d say factors like culture and work-life balance are now at least as important as the financial package on offer,” he explains. “Companies need to be aware of this and are increasingly having to incorporate flexibility into their employment offering, to appeal to a wider network of talent.”
But it’s not just the younger workers having an effect on the workplace – older workers also look for flexibility and a good work-life balance. “We need to develop flexible work practices and mobile technology, so that staff can essentially work anywhere,” says Zofia Bajorek from the Work Foundation.
What else do employees look for in their employer? “Career development and learning opportunities are important to our teams,” says Ryan-Jones at Harrods. The retailer has an extensive learning programme, with initiatives such as a school-leaver programmes and management development programmes.
“We pride ourselves on all being teachers and learners,” says Bruney from Hootsuite. “We have extensive learning programmes and a global stretch program, on which people can assume new roles of their choice, part-time, to gain valuable exposure to other areas of the business and develop new skills.”