New research indicates the key factors that employees are prioritising, suggesting ways for employers to retain team talent.
Retaining Talent in Remote Working
The events of recent months have resulted in some employers struggling to trust their employees to work autonomously from home, with some even ramping up on surveillance to track exactly what their workforce is doing. However, this may be problematic for organisations looking to attract and retain talent as, according to a recent report from UK-based tech-for-good developer, Culture Shift, almost all (92%) of Britain’s tech workforce say having an employer that trusts them is important for their overall happiness at work. A further 86% also admit autonomy is essential.
Working Styles
The same report also uncovered that remote working opportunities are imperative for the majority (77%) of tech employees across the UK, with more than half (56%) saying they would like to remain working from home, 39% dreading going back to the workplace and 44% worrying they won’t be able to adjust to going back. That said, 26% have felt imposter syndrome (self-doubt) more so while working from home. Almost two-thirds (62%) would like to return to the workplace with flexitime, while 66% would like to do a mix of working from the workplace and home.
Employee Necessities
Yet, it is not just working style that is important. There was a large focus on flexible working; 91% said flexibility is integral for their overall work happiness and 90% prioritised work-life balance to accommodate family. 91% of employees are still interested in progression opportunities and 85% indicated the need for competitive salary. 70% say free perks, such as paid for breakfast, yoga classes and gym memberships are important although this is arguably less important now that many workers are remote working.
What Employers Can Do
It seems that flexibility of working style is one of the key things that employers can do to retain talent. However, it is not only that. Communication is more important now than ever before according to 86% of employers. It seems that company reputation and commitment to ethics is also a priority for many employees. Respondents expressed the importance of a diverse workforce (79%), a CSR scheme (85%), fair employee treatment (88%) and a strong ethical background (83%).
