U.S. Workers Want More Than Money
American workers are increasingly looking for more than just good pay at jobs, according to Fortune magazine.
Wish list: “About eight out of 10 workers say a flexible schedule is important when considering taking a new job, according to a new survey conducted by the Harris poll for Fortune of more than 2,000 U.S. workers. And nearly 70% of workers cited a remote work option as important. Other major benefit priorities include retirement contributions and mental health coverage, as well as health and wellness stipends.”
Workers wanted: In December 2021 there were nearly 11 million open jobs, and turnover among workers remains elevated. To woo talent, companies are ramping up their offerings to on-staff and potential employees alike.
- “If you have the capability to offer people flexible employment, you need to be using that as a weapon in your arsenal in this war for talent currently,” talent-acquisition firm Randstad Sourceright CEO Mike Smith told Fortune.
Benefits that are working: Some of the perks that seem to be effectively retaining and attracting staff, according to respondents of a cited survey:
- Flexible schedules
- Onsite or employer-provided child care
- Caregiver days
- Employer retirement contributions
- Extensive health-care coverage, including mental-health coverage and health and wellness stipends
- Ability to work remotely
- Unlimited paid time off
Going further: “Beyond base compensation, Smith says the companies seeing the most success recruiting right now are those that can show candidates how their role aligns with the purpose of the organization; ensure there’s a well-rounded benefit offering; and provide elements of work/life balance. Some organizations, for instance, have implemented mandatory time-off policies so workers can disconnect, Smith says.”
Read about what other manufacturers are doing to attract and retain workers.