Hiring new employees is a challenging feat. It can be time-consuming and involves countless hours of searching, connecting, interviewing, and onboarding. But what if you knew precisely what employees were looking for in a job? We’re here to tell you what modern employees are after in a workplace culture.
Employees care about work-life balance
In Australian workplace culture, work-life balance is the top priority for employees, often more important than pay and benefits. Employees prefer workplaces that support their physical and mental well-being while allowing for a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Employees who can easily disconnect from their work at the end of the day have the healthiest relationship with work. When employers pressure their workers to keep working, it disrupts that balance. Consistent late nights or early starts may cut into their sleep, personal time, and hobbies, harming their mental health and relationship with work.
Building a work environment that prioritises and champions work-life balance is vital for those currently at your company and those coming through the hiring process.
Employees love flexibility
Flexibility is one of the most important values in the workplace, particularly for modern offices. Environments that implement wellness programs, community activities, and work-from-home days give employees the flexibility they crave. Work-from-home days, in particular, reduce commuting time for employees, giving them extra time before or after work.
Flexible working options give employees the chance to structure their hours how they please, whether it be working earlier in the morning or later in the day. Businesses that offer this show that they trust their workers and value their contributions both at home and in person.
Employees looking for a new job often consider flexible working arrangements one of the most important job features, as they contribute to reduced stress, increased productivity, and more control over their time.
Employees prioritise growth opportunities
Candidates are interested in companies prioritising their employees and investing in their long-term development. A focus on learning is an ideal workplace culture for new hires because most people want to work in places that help them grow professionally and personally. Creating a culture focused on development improves skills and prepares employees for new roles as they advance in their careers. This also ensures they are constantly feeling valued at work.
A strong employee development program can positively impact retention, performance, engagement, and productivity. Investing in your team sets your business up for long-term success while helping employees reach their full potential. This will lead to sustainable growth for both the individual and the business, with everyone feeling purpose at work.
Employees focus on time off to rest
What makes a good work culture? Knowing that there’s more to life than work. Employees value time out of work, and knowing that full-time office work often leads to burnout, companies must implement a policy in place to manage it. Therefore, offering paid time off through annual leave, birthdays, or scheduled health days allows employees to recharge and take breaks from their screens.
Taking time off from work helps employees come back feeling recharged, refreshed, and more motivated to work again. As a manager, it’s equally important to model this behaviour so you can encourage employees to do the same.
Employees value community
We spend a significant amount of our lives at work, so feeling part of a healthy community or something greater than ourselves makes all the difference. Since we are social creatures, it’s been proven that environments that support frequent collaboration with diverse colleagues help to create a community and positive workplace culture because employees want to feel seen, supported, and engaged. Job culture can be improved through consistent collaboration among everyone, social events, wellness programs, and growth opportunities.
Another way community can be enhanced is through spaces designed specifically for interactions, such as meeting rooms, spacious kitchens, and open hallways that lead to spontaneous conversations. Co-working spaces specialise in this and pair it with art, plants, and varied seating options to enhance creativity and innovation.
How co-working spaces can support employees
Coworking spaces offer everything a candidate or new employee is looking for — work-life balance, flexibility, opportunities for growth, and a strong sense of community. They provide the tools, culture, and spaces that foster innovation and well-being.
Melbourne Connect Co-working is here to host your business and help you retain the top employees. Based in Carlton, our co-working facility offers state-of-the-art amenities, bespoke events, and an interactive community portal. It’s the best place to surround yourself and your team with professionals, researchers, and creators.
Knowing that culture in the workplace thrives off employees who feel happy and fulfilled should be reflected in how and where they work, too. Learn more about Melbourne Connect Co-working here.