It goes without saying that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on not only how we’re working today, but also how we want to work in the future. According to new research by staffing firm Robert Half, more than half of employees surveyed (57%) reported a shift in feelings toward their career due to the pandemic. Of those, 60% said they are more motivated to be employed at an organization that values its staff during unpredictable times.
“Purpose is at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now, and professionals are assessing whether their company’s values align with their own,” says Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. “Employers should take this opportunity to reinforce for their teams the organization’s mission and community involvement.”
McDonald adds, “As businesses focus on the future and when hiring ramps up, workers may begin to explore their options. Continuing to be flexible and responsive to employees’ needs will be critical for retention.”
Additional findings from the survey of more than 1,000 workers May 14–19, 2020:
- 40% will prioritize their personal life over their job moving forward;
- 33% want to pursue a more meaningful or fulfilling position;
- More employees ages 25 to 40 (68%) experienced a change of perspective due to the pandemic than respondents ages 41 to 54 (45%) and 55 and older (40%); and
- Of respondents who said their feelings shifted during COVID-19:
- More women (65%) than men (56%) expressed interest in working for a company that appreciates its employees during uncertain times; and
- Nearly an equal number of working parents (41%) and professionals without children (39%) reported a desire to place greater focus on personal versus professional activities.
“This has been a significant time of reflection for professionals and businesses alike,” notes Jim Jeffers, regional vice president of Robert Half in Madison. “How companies and professionals operate has changed quickly in the past few months. Some employees may be rethinking what’s most important to them when it comes to their career. Workers are asking themselves, ‘What can I learn from this experience, and what do I need to do to be happy and successful moving forward?’ The answer may be different for everyone, but we know that the majority of workers want to work for a company that places more value on its employees during uncertain times.”
Jeffers notes that in today’s workplace, it’s not enough to offer competitive compensation and benefits to keep employees satisfied. Talented people want to be in jobs that make the best use of their abilities and give them a sense of accomplishment.
Managers should help employees see the connection between what they do and the company’s mission and business goals, explains Jeffers. Staff meetings, performance reviews, and regular check-ins provide opportunities for managers to explain how their contributions benefit the organization and community at large. Employers should remain transparent and communicate with staff their response to COVID-19 and plans for the future. This can help build trust and a feeling of togetherness among staff.
“Continuing to be responsive to employees’ needs will be critical to retaining valued staff,” says Jeffers. “Work-life balance is not a new concept, but we know it’s something employees want and have come to expect. Companies should consider it a core part of their company culture and have policies and programs in place that support it.”
Why companies should be focusing on retention:
- Pay your top performers well. Even in times of high unemployment, if you aren’t meeting or exceeding what other companies are paying for similar work, you risk losing your most valued employees.
- Focus on employee wellness. Help people get through this time emotionally. Consider wellness webinars for your team on topics such as coping with uncertainty, living through change, stress management, and mind-body relaxation.
- Be flexible. Allow flexibility in working hours and deadlines. This will allow people to arrange their lives as the pandemic continues to disrupt routines.
- Reinforce the importance of their work. Office perks like all-you-can-eat snacks, cool collaboration spaces, and on-site gyms mean much less now. What workers want is genuine reassurance. Make it clear that they are critical to the firm’s rebound and are supported by the company’s leadership.
What can companies do to ensure their employees feel valued and appreciated?
- There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each organization will need to take a different approach for each employee.
- During this time, it’s important to listen to and evaluate the emotional state of your team. Be very clear about the specific steps the company is taking to ensure employee health and safety.
- Consider regular communication from leadership with key updates and answers to employees’ questions.
- Regularly recognize employees’ accomplishments and explain how their work contributes to the success of the business.
