A great organisation makes each day fun and engaging for its employees, making them feel part of a supportive community. For job seekers and existing staff across the UK, working for a company with happy employees, an inclusive benefits package, and a strong company culture is becoming higher on their list of priorities.
Recent research by StaffCircle revealed how employees and employers value different employee benefits. Here, we explore the developing expectations of workers in the UK and if their employers are doing enough to keep them.
Favouring flexibility
The research revealed that 70% of all respondents would consider leaving their current organisation if their employer did not meet their top employee benefits.
Out of those employees polled, flexible work was the most sought-after benefit. It was also
revealed that 40% of employers DO NOT offer this valued working practice despite studies suggesting that flexible workers have a higher level of job satisfaction and commitment.
How does culture play a part?
In recent years, more emphasis has been put on the role of company culture in employee engagement, motivation, and morale. If an organisation meets all three factors, it will more than likely have a strong company culture with a workforce that is proud to work there.
To boost company culture, organisations need to understand the link between the happiness of their employees and overall business success. Employees want to feel valued at work, so a transparent and supportive management team was voted as their second-highest priority.
It’s clear that employers also recognise the importance of culture in what makes a great organisation, as over 50% of employers offered an honest, transparent, and supportive working experience for their employees.
Employees value benefits, but employers don’t prioritise them
The results revealed employees place an inclusive benefits package fourth on their list of requirements, but just under 50% of all employers surveyed don’t provide one at all.
These employers are missing out on many advantages that come with offering their staff benefits packages, as they can help attract and retain talent, improve well-being, and encourage required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills.
Benefits packages don’t have to rely on salary to be competitive either; offering meaningful benefits such as insurance, mental health support, or access to discounts is just as important.
Work with meaning
The research shows that meaningful work is high on the list of priorities for current UK workers – especially those after 45. When employees feel like their work has a rational purpose and meaning, they’re far more likely to thrive in their work environment. So, ensuring employees know their work is significant means they’re more likely to stick around.
Employees also want to work for a company that understands the importance of sustainability and its impact on the environment. However, environmental sustainability was ranked the lowest priority for UK businesses, with less than 40% of organisations having a strategy in place.
In summary
Overall, employees’ wants and needs are changing. As they place importance on company culture, supportive and transparent management teams, and meaningful work both in terms of significance and environmental sustainability, it’s clear employers need to align their priorities to attract and keep their talent.
