The business world is changing. As the economy picks up and more jobs become available, candidates are considering new factors when choosing a company to work for.
Today, work-life balance, flexibility, and retirement benefits play a key role in job seeking. Employers offering generous benefits are more likely to attract the most talented workers.
But what are today’s job seekers looking for? How can your company bolster your benefits to attract top talent? Let’s take a look at some of the most attractive benefits in the job market today and see how implementing them can help your organization stand out.
The Importance of Employee Benefits for Today’s Job Seekers
The most effective employee benefit programs aren’t only about money. Employees are looking for more than just a paycheck when they choose their employer.
Employees today are seeking a sense of security and flexibility. They want their employer to provide for them beyond their salary — benefits like retirement options, flexible family leave, health care, and tuition reimbursement tell your employees that you value them as human beings, not just as workers.
Benefits like on-site dining and gym access may be popular on social media job listings, but today’s job seekers are looking for more meaningful opportunities. Below, find some of the most valuable benefits your company can offer to attract talent to your team.
Better Work-Life Balance
It’s no surprise that work-life balance is so important to job seekers. In fact, it has become a central point in negotiations and company culture. But what exactly constitutes work-life balance?
Work-life balance means something different to each individual. For some, it’s all about the number of vacation days they get per year; for others, it’s about how many hours they spend in the office each day.
To foster work-life integration, create an environment where your employees are happy in their personal lives as well as their careers. This means making sure they get enough time off (including sick days, vacation days, and family leave) while providing ample opportunities to grow within the organization.
Health and Retirement Benefits
Healthcare is one of the most important factors employees consider when accepting a job offer. But while some companies might think they’re doing enough by offering basic medical coverage with low deductibles and co-pays, job seekers are often looking for something more comprehensive.
Remote Work Opportunities
While working from home is not for everyone, it can be a great option for attracting top talent, keeping employees engaged, and helping them maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Remote work is also beneficial for employers, allowing them to expand their applicant pool beyond typical commuting distances and open the door to potential employees who live outside of major metropolitan areas.
Offering remote opportunities can look like a hybrid schedule, in which your employees join each other in the office three or four days out of the week and work from home the rest of the time. But remember — by creating full-time remote positions, you can network with talent who would not otherwise be available for in-office work.
Flexible Work Schedules
Employees today are looking for flexible work schedules. Some people have circumstances that make it challenging to work a 9 to 5 schedule every day, and others need more time off than is available with a traditional schedule. These employees include parents, caregivers, and students who have obligations outside of work.
Professional Development and Training
Professional development and training are an investment in the future of your company. Ongoing training helps employees develop new skills, become more productive at work, and feel more like an indispensable part of their team.
Tuition Reimbursement
Consider helping to pay for your employees’ tuition costs. Tuition reimbursement is a way to use your company’s resources to cover the costs of an employee pursuing additional education to increase their skills and marketability.
Understanding Modern Job-Seeking Priorities
The competition for talent is tough. Because the job market is flooded with people who are eager to work and employers who want to hire them, employees can be picky about their next move.
Today, job seekers spend more time researching companies than ever before, and they’re looking at a wide range of factors — from salaries and benefits to company culture — to make sure they choose the right job for them.
When you’re ready to put together a compensation plan that attracts and retains the best talent, let our team at Benefits Advisory Group help you craft the right benefits package to support your company.