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What are candidates looking for in a new role?

At the moment the job marketplace is highly competitive, and yes it can be difficult to recruit. In fact, new job vacancies in the UK reached record highs this year, with nearly 1.3 million openings available in the first quarter of 2022 – so its know wonder that there is a supposed candidate shortage.

Recruitment has always been tough but thanks to the pandemic shifting the way people view work; prospective employees are clear about what they want from an company. At the top and as always fair pay is still most important and the driving factor for recruitment – particularly as the cost-of-living continues to rise – in-fact this something that is being talked about a lot, however the other hot topic is flexible working which has become just as crucial to retaining and hiring new staff.

But what else do employees value in 2022? What are the perks that’ll turn heads when it comes to that all-important job description – that will retain staff, and increase loyalty?

Number 1 – Flexible working hours

When speaking to candidates this has to be the most talked about subject by far – candidates are definately asking for what they want more than ever before! While many companies have already moved to a hybrid working environment – allowing employees a better work-life balance – in 2021 three out of four jobs advertised in the UK still didn’t offer any kind of flexible working options – will this cause a problem?.

The same research revealed that nine in 10 people would like flexibility in their next role. Therefore, it’s in an employers’ best interest to consider this for their staff, current, and future. By giving employees the choice to decide how, where and when they want to work, you’re going to boost recruitment and long-term loyalty.

Number 2 – Budget towards work equipment

This perk became a necessity for many people during the lockdown – when working from the dining table with your kids or even the ironing board got tiresome. But it’s an important consideration nowadays too – and one that HSE professionals are very hot on (yes a risk assessment should be undertaken).

Employees want to be productive and efficient whether this is in the office or at home. And as an employer you should boost this by providing the right equipment and amenities to do their job to the best ability. A small budget towards resources shows how supportive you are as an employer and in turn, employee output will improve.

Number 3 – Health insurance

Health benefits are a massive incentive to join or stay at a company. This makes staff feel valued and comforted by their employer by giving them access to services or treatments that might not be available through the NHS.

Number 4 – Mental wellbeing support

This is a fairly new one like hybrid working – but good mental health is essential for the wellbeing and overall productivity of your workforce.

It’s been a testing couple of years and the effects long-lasting for some. Although lockdown is over, employers should continue to support employee’s mental wellbeing to prevent burnout.

Number 5 – Additional holidays

We’re sure you can agree that we all live for our holidays. This is an important part of our work-life balance to take a break and refresh.

So lets round this up – all too often, employees only compare jobs against salary alone, but from speaking to our clients & candidates on a regular basis there are certainly many other factors to consider that will help boost recruitment — and long-term staff retention.

If we can help you with recruitment or talent attraction or even just to chat through your recruiting challenges then please get in touch.