Jeff Moses, CEO of WorkForce Software, highlights the evolving priorities of employees and candidates in today’s tight labor market. Competitive pay and benefits are no longer enough to attract and retain top talent, as employees now seek a fundamentally different workplace experience. This shift is driven by societal forces such as the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the on-demand expectations set by consumer technologies, leading to demands for greater flexibility, professional development opportunities, streamlined communication, and work-life balance.
WorkForce Software’s recent Global Employee Experience Study quantifies the importance of these experiential factors, with significant increases in employee preferences for scheduling flexibility, access to training/job information, and communication tools. The study also reveals that a majority of employees are open to leaving their current role within six months if their experience expectations are not met, highlighting the urgency for employers to evolve and meet these new expectations as a business imperative.
In response to these changing employee expectations, employers should focus on three key areas to attract and retain talent in the current employment landscape. Firstly, communication is crucial, with employees wanting to be heard and valued. Keeping communication lines open and transparent can lead to higher engagement and productivity, reducing turnover rates and helping the organization achieve its goals.
Scheduling flexibility is another key demand from employees, with a majority considering it essential when choosing an employer. Companies that offer flexible scheduling capabilities can improve work-life balance, reduce stress, and retain top talent. Implementing modern workforce management solutions can help bridge the gap between acknowledging the need for scheduling flexibility and actually facilitating it, ensuring staffing levels match demand in a cost-effective manner.
Additionally, investing in technology is essential for improving employee experience and meeting the expectations of a workforce made up of digital natives. Providing employees with secure, consumer-grade digital communication tools can enhance operations and foster collaboration. By leveraging data-powered forecasting and demand modeling, organizations can optimize labor coverage and provide employees with the flexibility they desire while ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.
Overall, employers need to embrace new strategies, philosophies, and technology to meet the changing expectations of employees post-pandemic. By prioritizing investments in communication, scheduling flexibility, and technology, companies can attract and retain talent, keep their workforce happy and engaged, and ultimately succeed in the competitive labor market.
