What Do Employees Want From a Business?

Knowing what matters to today's modern employees is crucial if you want to attract and retain the best people, from your current staff to the future talent that will enter your business. The fundamental factors that make a job attractive to employees have changed, with pay and reward no longer taking the prize as key drivers of workplace satisfaction. As a result, there are many aspects to consider when you ask yourself the question, what do employees want from a business? 

Thankfully, we've collated eight key things to consider when answering the question, what do employees look for in a company?

1. Organisational Culture is Essential

An organisation's culture and values are essential to what employees look for in a company. 

What organisational culture means may differ from person to person. For some, it might mean having a flexible approach to the working environment – working from home is a prime example. 

Here are some key statistics highlighting why organisational culture is essential:

• 46% of job seekers value company culture
• 86% of candidates avoid companies with a poor culture
• 94% of entrepreneurs and 88% of candidates consider a healthy work culture to be vital for success
• 69% of employees will be motivated to work harder if they receive more recognition
• An engaged organisational culture can lead to a 202% increase in performance

At Amoria Bond, we take immense pride that 97% of our employees stay with us for at least two years or more because of our award-winning organisational culture. Our focus is on Progressing Lives Everywhere - which starts with our employees. 

So, to attract and retain the best people in your market, you must have a unique organisational culture. 

2. Have a Supportive Senior Leadership Team

Linking closely to the values and culture of an organisation is the quality of senior leadership at work. 

Whether it's direct support like regular one-to-ones with line managers or team meetings within the department, having adequate guidance, support and leadership proves to be an overarching driver to employees of all levels.

Another way that leadership value manifests is through communication. For example, a leader who takes the time to explain why a decision has or needs to be made will likely engage with their employees better.

Your senior leadership team should also be empathetic and listen and act on the views of their team members when relevant. Today's employees want to feel valued and supported by their employer, so ensure you create that safe space to form strong working relationships between your senior leaders and other employees.

3. Offer Career Progression

Career progression and the prospect of promotions in the future are enticing for employees. Creating clear career pathways within an organisation is a fantastic way to ensure that employees understand how their careers can develop.

Fostering a community approach that recognises talent by promoting within a company will appeal to all employees, especially when combined with regular feedback from line managers and senior managers. Continuous feedback will help team members understand where they are and what they need to do to get where they want to be. 

Career progression helps create a positive and supportive culture in teams and the wider business. 

4. Provide Learning and Development Opportunities

Like the point above, employees will look at the company's learning and development opportunities when actively or passively looking for jobs.

To progress the lives of your employees, you must support them with their growth. Learning and development initiatives are fantastic for increasing morale and motivation levels within your organisation. 

If you can demonstrate how you have invested in the lives of your employees, your current and future staff will be more engaged and inclined to invest their skills into your business.

Suppose you need the internal resources to provide regular learning and development; there are plenty of training providers you can outsource. From courses to support the specifics of the roles to programmes aimed at unlocking the individual's potential, employees are more likely to commit to a business that invests in their talent.

5. Be Transparent 

The performance of any business holds a certain amount of influence on the happiness levels of its employees. 

Ultimately, the better the overall performance of your business, the more likely the employees will be happy working for you.

Employees who work in a successful business tend to feel more positive at work, leading to higher motivation and better engagement. In contrast, those who work in underperforming businesses or industries tend to feel demotivated because their work and effort seem to have little to no effect.

Be sure to provide regular updates on your business outlook. For example, you could host quarterly company meetings to review your business's performance with the wider company. Whether you're doing well or need to improve, your employees will undoubtedly appreciate your transparency and will feel more inclined to help your business progress.

6. Understand the Importance of Job Security

When searching for their future contract or permanent jobs, employees will look to companies they feel will provide stability and job security. 

From providing for their family, saving for a property or allowing themselves an annual holiday abroad, employees need to feel their position will come with long-term security to ensure they can live the personal life they desire. 

Of course, much of the job security falls on the employee and their ability to do their job efficiently. Still, you can support your current and future employees by making your employees and future talent feel at ease when it comes to their position. 

Employees want to feel safe, secure and ultimately valued by their employers. Many of the points in this article relate to the sense of job security today's employee looks for within a business.

7. Allow for the Flexibility of a Work-Life Balance

Achieving a work-life balance is essential, especially in today's climate. Today, most companies offer the option for hybrid-working or full-time remote opportunities - it is often one of the first things employees look for when considering taking on a role. 

Modern employees often prioritise their well-being when searching for a new job. So, if you can provide a flexible approach to work, you are more likely to see an increase in productivity, more engaged staff and higher retention. 

8. Include Company Benefits and Rewards

Finally, when considering what employees look for in a company, it's good to consider offering benefits and rewards. Employees want to feel valued and appreciated for the work they do by their employers. From paid leave on birthdays and discounted private healthcare to away days and flexible working, all contribute to an employee's decision to join one company over another. 

Additionally, regarding bonuses and commission incentives, employees still look at the monetary benefits and rewards a business can offer before applying for a role. Although today's employees focus on other aspects of their professional life besides financial gain, providing monetary benefits and rewards is still a valid tactic for increasing staff retention and motivation.

If your business doesn't have a benefits and rewards scheme in place, it's certainly something you should consider embedding into your organisation. 

Find your future talent

Now that you have a clearer answer to the question, what do employees want from a business? Discover how Amoria Bond can support your business in attracting the best talent in the market. Since 2006, we have helped organisations with their hiring challenges in the Technology and Advanced Engineering space, unlocking their potential. So, get in touch with our expert team today and find out how we can help your business leverage long-term success.