Candidate motivations typically shift over time. However, in light of the pandemic, certain new priorities emerged with surprising speed.
While many professionals want to be optimistic about the future, the concerns that arose during COVID-19 still impact them today and will likely do so for years to come. But that doesn’t mean that many classic priorities aren’t in place.
If you are wondering what’s motivating candidates today, here’s what you need to know.
Job Security
Coronavirus layoffs thrust job security into the spotlight. Many professionals who believed their industries were solid suddenly found themselves unemployed, casting shadows of doubt over their careers. As a result, a desire for stability began leading their job-related decisions.
Companies that can offer a degree of job security will have an easier time with recruitment and retention. Showcasing what you have to offer when it comes to job continuation, such as work from home options or other business continuity plans, demonstrates your dedication to stability.
Work-Life Balance
While many professionals embraced the work from home approach during the pandemic, including many who were experiencing it for the first time, challenges associated with the arrangement soon became apparent. Often, separating one’s personal and professional lives is difficult when telecommuting, which isn’t ideal for mental health or managing stress.
Today, professionals prefer companies that can offer mechanisms that support work-life balance. While this can include remote work programs, the arrangements need to set boundaries that allow for the separation of their professional obligations from their personal lives.
Additionally, flexibility remains a high priority. Many professionals are still experiencing daily life complexities related to the pandemic, such as children going to school remotely. By making flexible arrangements available, you create the ability to make it easier for your employees to handle their lives.
Compensation
One classic motivation that likely won’t change involves salary. Professionals crave competitive pay rates, ensuring they feel fairly compensated for their efforts, skills, and experience.
Additionally, the value of total compensation packages is also a concern. Many professionals seek out specific employer-provided benefits, including paid leave, medical coverage, retirement plans, and more.
Companies that want to stay ahead of the competition can’t overlook the power of competitive compensation. Ideally, businesses should research typical salary tables and benefits packages for specific skillsets and industries. That way, they can ensure their offerings meet or exceed candidate expectations.
Advancement
While one may assume that the pandemic made health the biggest concern, many professionals are more worried about how the situation impacted their career prospects long-term. Some are concerned that COVID-19 caused a delay in their overall trajectory. As a result, they began favoring companies that can help them get back on track.
Businesses that have clear career progression, professional development, and training programs are increasingly being favored. By showcasing your plans, you can boost recruitment as well as retention, potentially dramatically.
If you’d like to learn more about what today’s candidates are after, The Squires Group team can help. Contact us today.
