Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for any organization, and in today's rapidly changing business landscape, it's more important than ever for HR and recruitment leaders to stay ahead of the curve. According to Gartner, there are four key areas shaping the new employee expectations and impacting both attraction and retention: flexibility, shared purpose, well-being, and person-first experience.
Flexibility: As Gartner points out, "52% of employees say flexible work policies will affect their decision to stay at their organisations." To meet this demand, HR leaders should offer a variety of flexible work options, such as remote work, flexible scheduling, and job sharing. Consider conducting regular surveys to understand the unique needs of your employees and tailor your flexible work policies accordingly.
Shared Purpose: Gartner highlights that "53% of employees want their organisations to take actions on issues they care about." To align your organization's values with those of your employees, launch a corporate social responsibility program that addresses issues that matter to your employees. Consider involving employees in decision-making processes and encouraging them to contribute their own ideas for social impact initiatives.
Well-being: The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the importance of employee well-being, with Gartner reporting that "70% of companies have introduced new well-being benefits or increased the amount of existing well-being benefits." To prioritize employee well-being, offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes mental health resources, health insurance, and wellness programs. Consider implementing policies that promote work-life balance, such as paid time off and flexible scheduling.
Person-first Experience: Gartner notes that "82% of employees say it's important for their organization to see them as a person, not just as an employee." To create a more inclusive and diverse work environment, conduct diversity and inclusion training for all employees. Consider implementing flexible work policies that accommodate the needs of employees with disabilities and different family structures.
You can download a full copy of the report on the Gartner website here
In conclusion, HR and recruitment leaders play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent, and by taking a proactive and thoughtful approach, they can successfully meet the new employee expectations. By focusing on flexibility, shared purpose, well-being, and person-first experiences, organizations can create a work environment that appeals to today's top talent.
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