In today’s competitive job market, job seekers have become more discerning about the companies they choose to work for. It’s no longer just about the salary and benefits package. Job seekers want to work for companies whose values align with their own.
The pandemic caused a spike in concern for values and career development, with one survey finding that 86% of workers felt that their careers were stalled by the pandemic. These workers are looking more and more for employment opportunities with companies that demonstrate genuine values.
This shift in mindset has given job seekers the upper hand, and employers who can’t demonstrate their values risk losing out on acquiring top talent.
Here are the top 5 values job seekers want from employers.
1. Purpose and Mission
Job seekers want to work for companies that have a clear sense of purpose and mission. They want to feel that their work is contributing to something meaningful. Companies that can clearly articulate their purpose and mission are more attractive to job seekers because they show a sense of direction and values beyond profit.
A recent survey found that 56% of job seekers won’t even consider taking a job if their values don’t align. People want to feel heard and seen, and they want to know that what they are working toward professionally is conducive to their own hopes and dreams for the future of the world.
2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become increasingly important to job seekers. They want to work for companies that value and promote diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.
We know that DEI is better for employers too. Study after study has found that promoting DEI in the workplace can increase sales, customer base, and profits. Moreover, it has been found that diversity itself leads to greater innovation, translating to organizational growth and success.
3. Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance has always been a top concern for employees, but now they have become more vocal about it. People want to work for companies that offer flexible work arrangements and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy life outside of work.
Companies that prioritize work-life balance show that they value their employees’ well-being in and out of the office. To communicate shared values around work-life balance, companies might offer more benefits, flexible working hours, free lunches, or child care, just to name a few examples.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is based around the idea that companies should behave in a way that contributes to their communities responsibly. Workers not only want benefits for themselves, but they also wish to work for organizations that can demonstrate a positive impact on society and the environment writ large.
Some companies demonstrate CSR by contributing financially to local and/or meaningful causes. Another good option is to organize team volunteer days. Volunteering together not only demonstrates CSR, but it also helps to build team connections and shake up silos and hierarchies, which can be especially beneficial to hybrid and remote teams.
5. Career Development and Growth Opportunities
Upskilling in the workplace has been a big demand among workers and job seekers alike. People want to know that they can learn new skills, take on new challenges, and advance their careers within the company, or be able to translate the experience to better jobs elsewhere. Companies that invest in their employees’ professional development are more attractive to job seekers because they show that they value their employees’ growth and success.
Job seekers are looking for more than just a paycheck when considering potential employers. They want to work for companies whose values align with their own.
Employers who can demonstrate their commitment to purpose and mission, diversity, equity, and inclusion, work-life balance, CSR, and career development and growth opportunities are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
At KangarooStar, we specialize in innovative job matching to bring together workers and employers in a way that aligns for both parties. When you have a happy team, or when you are a part of a team that energizes you, that is when the magic happens.