Jobseekers now want flexibility more than anything else

70% of HR professionals now say flexible working is jobseekers’ top priority, according to a new study by Cendex.

What’s more, 67% say a home working policy is also a key priority.

This is only the latest of several recent studies that show flexibility is becoming a make-or-break priority for jobseekers. For example, a study by employee benefits provider Unum UK found flexible working was a major factor in staff retention.

The Cendex paper found that salary had slipped down to third place, after flexible working and working from home, with 55% of HR professionals saying it’s a top priority for candidates. This news may come as a mixed blessing for employers: it's no longer necessary to offer the biggest pay packet to win top talent, but that’s because salary is no longer enough. Employers need to consider what they offer holistically.

The rewards package came fourth in the survey with 38%, and organisations appear to have got the memo on the importance of this - 51% say they’ve changed their rewards and benefits package post-COVID. 30% say they’ve adjusted work start and finish times to better suit employees.

The war for talent

85% of HR professionals agree that the war for talent has intensified over the past year, making it more important than ever for companies to develop the right offering to attract and retain the best talent. Understanding employees’ changing priorities and expectations is vital to staying ahead of the competition.

And this is of particular relevance when considering strategies to attract and retain women in the workforce. Flexibility, part-time, remote and hybrid working patterns are especially important to the female workforce, who are more often the primary carer for children.

An employer's EVP and employer brand are essential tools in the battle for talent. The pandemic has not only demonstrated the benefits of remote working, it’s also made us realise how important a healthy work/life balance really is.

It’s crucial to consider the whole benefits package, especially flexible working options, to attract and retain valued employees in the current talent drought.

For more insight into jobseekers' and what's important to them, contact one of our Consultants.