The entire job placement process can be a challenge for job seekers and hiring managers. Job seekers want the “ideal” job and hiring managers want candidates that can perform according to, and exceed, expectations. Hiring managers need to investigate, analyze, and determine a candidate’s authenticity and potential, otherwise the company is at risk. However, companies should also acknowledge and ensure that their policies, routines, environment, and other factors also work favorably with potential candidates, and ultimately, employees. After all, if employees are unsatisfied, they can easily move on to other opportunities.
Thankfully, there is plenty of research available on what makes some jobs and companies more attractive than others. Why do some companies have higher turnover rates than others? What priorities do candidates hold when considering a position? Companies can use this information to assess themselves and guide future decisions.
Below are three of the top factors considered by candidates and employees and can be deal breakers in the hiring and retention process.
1. Flexibility
As society changes, values and expectations are also changing. So, too, is the idea of the standard 9-5 office job. And with the rise and integration of technology, having a flexible work schedule or environment is becoming increasingly feasible. There are various reasons why many candidates seek open-minded companies that allow flexibility, or prioritize work-life balance. One common reason cited is having more time to spend with family. This can especially be true for new parents. The good news is that more companies are beginning to catch on and are building flexibility into their policies and routines. A friend of mine, an accountant at a top firm, was offered the option to work remotely for three days of the week to accommodate her needs as a new mother.
Another reason more and more candidates are seeking flexibility is because, as mentioned, technology is making it possible to accomplish the tasks from anywhere that once could only be done at a desk in an office. Therefore, people feel that it is unnecessary to require them to come in to the office every day, when they can just as well work from home (or the beach) and choose their own hours where they can also enjoy hobbies, and other pursuits, without compromising their performance.
2. Respect
It goes without saying that for any healthy relationship to exist and grow, respect is a key factor. The same applies to relationships between employees and employers. Employees want to not only be personally treated with respect by their colleagues and supervisors, but also feel that their work is being valued within the big picture of the company’s vision. Therefore, companies in which there is open and honest communication- such as, employees are encouraged to provide input and feedback, their concerns are listened to, and they are involved in decision making- face less turnover or workplace tensions.
3. Growth Potential
Candidates want positions in which there are opportunities available to advance their careers. Most people don’t want to stay in the same spot for years on end. Therefore, companies that offer bonuses, promotions, training, educational reimbursement, and other opportunities in which employees feel that the company values their service and is investing in their growth, are generally more successful.
Studies show that happier employees are more productive and perform better. Therefore, it is of utmost important for a company to assess its relationships with its employees so that it can not only attract top talent, but also retain it for the long run and ensure continued progress of the company.
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