The most sought-after features in a job: What do employees want?

How labour expectations have changed

The new year begins and comes with new resolutions, such as finding a new job or turning your working life around by focusing on new opportunities. However, times have changed and so have the labour expectations of future new employees. What are they looking for now?

New employees have shifted from prioritising stability to valuing flexibility, professional growth, well-being, and company values, which is also known as emotional salary or non-economic benefits. Flexibility (remote work and flexible hours, for example) is now a key expectation for balancing work and personal life which, together with other benefits such as continuing professional development, prioritising mental health and adapting to an evolving work environment thanks to technology, has become essential when choosing where to work.

Labour priorities of employees

• Salary and benefits: a competitive remuneration package continues to be essential for new applicants.
• Reconciliation and flexibility: the ability to balance personal life with work, including
  flexibility of working hours and hybrid working options, is a growing priority.
• Well-being and mental health: employees increasingly value their mental health and look for work environments that don’t cause them stress and offer emotional support and well-being activities.
• Professional development and employability: keeping professional competencies up to date through the acquisition of new skills and continuous learning can be more important than
  remote work or exciting work.
• Work environment and leadership: a positive work environment, with quality relations and leadership that shows empathy, is a significant priority.
• Work stability: job security continues to be an important factor for many workers.
   

The value of a positive work environment

A positive work environment is essential as this transcends the simple well-being of employees to become a strategic pillar of the company’s success. A healthy work environment not only improves employee satisfaction and mental health, but also directly boosts productivity, talent retention, and company profitability.

1. Increased productivity and output 

A positive environment promores motivation and commitment, which results in a significant increase in productivity. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more willing to make an effort and take on challenges.

2. Talent retention and reduced rotation 

In a competitive labour market, the work environment is a key factor in attracting and retaining the best professionals. Happy employees have a better sense of belonging to the organisation and this means they are less likely to leave.

3. Promotion of innovation and collaboration

An environment which is open to suggestions and without prejudice means that employees feel confident sharing ideas and proposing innovative solutions. Open communication and empathy promote more effective teamwork and better mutual trust.

4. Improved well-being and mental health

Companies that value the emotional well-being and mental health of their employees have a happy workforce. A supportive environment reduces stress and anxiety levels, contributing to psychologically healthier workers and a better quality of life both inside and outside the company.

5. Promotion of the employer’s brand and external relations

A positive work environment helps to project a positive image of the company, both to employees and to the outside. This also helps to maintain good relationships with clients and partners, who recognise the company's resilience and professionalism.

Addressing these needs benefits companies, as it helps employees want to stay, do better work, and become more involved in their daily work. When an organisation focuses on flexibility, well-being, and professional development, it attracts top talent, reduces absenteeism, and fosters a more innovative and resilient work culture, becoming an attractive employer in a competitive market.