Today, the landscape is changing. While many assumed that companies would have little trouble attracting and retaining workers after the pandemic, that isn’t what occurred. Instead, the workforce has new expectations of their employers, and the labor market is firmly in workers’ hands for the first time in years.
If companies want to attract and retain top talent, they can’t return to the pre-pandemic status quo. Instead, they have to adapt, ensuring they are meeting the expectations of the post-pandemic workforce. If you want to make sure your company is up to the challenge, here’s what you need to know.
Flexibility and Remote Work
During the early days of the pandemic, both flexibility and remote work became staples for survival. Companies had to adjust to ensure their workers could remain productive during shelter-in-place orders. Plus, they had to be agile, ensuring employees who had children attending school remotely or that had to care for high-risk family members were able to juggle their obligations.
While shelter-in-place orders aren’t currently an issue and many of the other initial obstacles are gone, employees aren’t necessarily interested in returning to a pre-pandemic work arrangement. Many found that remote work suited them, allowing them to be more productive while maintaining a better work-life balance. Additionally, health concerns are still part of the equation, leaving some anxiety about returning to the workplace.
If companies want to attract and retain top talent, allowing for a certain level of flexibility is essential. Additionally, being open to long-term remote work arrangements is a must, at least on a part-time basis. That way, employees who favor these agile work approaches find your positions enticing, increasing the odds that they’ll apply and stay once hired.
Health and Wellness
Health and wellness were thrust into the spotlight during the pandemic, introducing new concerns and exposing the shortcomings of many standard benefits packages. While professionals may have been willing to tolerate less-than-ideal benefits during the early stages of the pandemic, they are less inclined to do so today.
Instead, employees expect companies to meet these core needs. Along with health insurance, other wellness-oriented perks are no longer considered niceties but outright essentials. Whether it’s nutrition coaching, online resources, or telehealth solutions, employees want more from their employers.
Additionally, the workforce expects companies to go the extra mile when it comes to safety. Having strict formal policies designed to maintain the health of those returning to the workplace is crucial while pandemic worries are still present. If those needs aren’t met, top talent will look elsewhere for opportunities.
Communication
Good communication has long been a priority for many professionals. However, in the aftermath of the pandemic, most employees value transparency and honesty far more than they did previously. Companies need to strive to keep communication channels open, as well as to ensure that information is distributed more freely. That way, employees feel valued and included, giving them peace of mind.
Ultimately, meeting the expectations of today’s workforce is essential for any company that wants to thrive in a post-pandemic world. If you’d like to learn more, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
