Show up to work. Get your paycheque. Welcome to the 1950s. The world of work has moved considerably past the transactional relationship between employers and employees.
Benefits have gone from strength to strength, from birthday leave to bring your dog to work days, the past few years have got us thinking about what’s important to us, what really makes us happy, and how to get the most out of our week.
Offering a competitive salary is one thing, but to truly keep up with the market and get ahead, employers need to consider what they can offer beyond the money.
Candidates are demanding flexibility. A 2023 global Talent LinkedIn poll revealed that 95% of respondents preferred either a fully remote or hybrid model of working. The majority (46%) preferred a hybrid model, seeking to be in the office 1-2 days per week, followed by 34% who preferred remote work, with 0 days in the office. A Global Workplace Analytics poll of 1,500 technology professionals also revealed that candidates aren’t messing around when it comes to working from home. 37% would take a 10% pay cut to work remotely. If companies mandate a full-time office arrangement, they are at risk of losing out on top talent to competitors.
Fully remote roles are more common than they used to be, and the pandemic has heavily contributed to this. But, while many candidates (particularly contractors) prefer to work remotely, a lot of junior to mid-level candidates are actually prioritising hybrid work. Being in the office with colleagues for training/development purposes is a big pull for hybrid roles to be top choice, while still having that flexibility to work remotely too. It’s the best of both worlds and more candidates are prioritising it.
Luke Achilles,
Recruitment consultant,
Talent Manchester
Having the ability to work from home and flexibly is still holding as one of the top priorities we are seeing amongst candidates so far this year.
Chelsea Grundy,
Senior Consultant,
Talent Auckland
Candidates are prioritising flexibility, work-life balance and hybrid (or remote) working now more than ever. Due to this, I’m seeing candidates accepting roles at lower rates if these flexible demands are met.
Zoe Latuszka
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Talent Bristol
Health and wellbeing is increasingly important especially given that COVID-19 wasn’t left in 2020, despite all of our NYE wishes. Health and wellness improves morale, increases productivity and engagement, and boosts job satisfaction. Treat your people well or they’ll find somewhere that does - it’s a no brainer! Not sure where to start? Our contractors told us what they want to see from employers in our Contractor Wellbeing Report 21/22.
If you haven’t looked at your parental leave policy lately, this should be at the top of your to-do list. Competitive companies are giving primary and secondary caregivers more paid leave, more benefits, and more return to work support.
Companies are increasingly jumping on the share scheme bandwagon, so if it’s not on your radar, it may be time to get across it. An Employer Share Option Plan will give everyone a piece of the pie and allow them to share in your company’s success. Offering these shares to your team members is a great benefit that adds to their overall remuneration package and ensures they feel invested in your company journey (literally).
Companies are realising that they cannot continue to compete on salaries alone and many companies have recently updated their staff benefits and employer value propositions in order to attract people in market. Benefits include additional annual leave, working from anywhere in the world, charity days along with health and wellbeing benefits.
Scarlett Cooke
Account Manager
Talent Sydney
In 2023, candidates are more conscious of their responsibility to the planet and community than ever… and they expect their employers to be on the same page. According to our Talent Sustainability: Awareness to Action insights report, 84% of tech candidates say that it is important for them to work for a company that prioritises environmental sustainability, so much so that 59% are influenced by a company’s commitment to this when deciding whether or not to accept a job offer.
So, if you want to bring the best in tech on board, your company needs to be taking its responsibility to people and the planet seriously. Think - robust ESG and CSR strategies that your people feel involved in and connected to.
We are seeing more candidates ask about our clients’ social responsibility policy and a desire for their work to create a positive impact in the world.
Kara Smith,
Country Manager,
Talent NZ
