happy at work: what talent are telling us positive work culture means for them.

As talent reevaluates what they want out of work and life in a post-covid world, and labour shortages in property and construction abound, it's more important than ever for companies to invest in employee health, well-being, professional development, and overall growth. 

By providing a supportive work environment and offering opportunities for growth, companies can foster a more productive, engaged, and satisfied workforce.

flexible work arrangements.

With the rise of remote work and the need for greater work-life balance, employees are increasingly seeking flexible work arrangements. This includes the option to work from home, set their own hours, and have a say in how they work.

On the flip side, a number of employers across the property sector are reconsidering their work-from-home policies now lockdowns are (touch wood) an increasingly distant memory. In our experience, a strict return to traditional office-only working arrangements significantly limits the talent pool when hiring new employees, and may even alienate existing loyal staff.

employee empowerment and voice. 

In a positive workplace culture, employees feel valued and heard. This means giving employees the opportunity to provide feedback, share ideas, and have a say in decision-making processes.

How to empower employees to speak up and get involved:

• Encourage open communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, opinions, and ideas. This can be done through regular meetings, open forums, or more informal means like casual conversations.

• Provide opportunities for feedback: Encourage employees to provide feedback on their work experiences, job satisfaction, and suggestions for improvements. This can be done through regular surveys, one-on-one meetings with managers, or suggestion boxes.

• Empower employees to make decisions: Provide employees with decision-making power and autonomy in their work. This can include allowing employees to make decisions about how they work, or giving them the opportunity to lead projects or initiatives.

health and wellness support.

As employees seek greater work-life balance, a focus on employee health and well-being is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Employers are providing access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and other benefits to support the well-being of their employees.

Common ways our employer partners are encouraging health and wellness in the workplace:

• Encouraging physical activity: By allowing employees to take breaks throughout the day to stretch, take walks, or engage in physical activity. This can help boost energy levels and reduce stress. There’s also been a big boost in on-and-off-site fitness classes or subsidies for gym memberships.

• Promoting healthy eating habits: By offering healthy food options in the workplace and providing education on nutrition and healthy eating habits.

• Providing stress management resources: Many employers now offer resources such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), counseling services, or workshops on stress management and mindfulness.

inclusivity and diversity.

Talent is placing increasing weight on the importance of a diverse and inclusive work environment and that means businesses are too. This includes promoting diversity in hiring and creating a culture that is accepting and welcoming of differences.

Ways in which our partner employers are promoting diversity and inclusiveness:

• Implement diversity and inclusion training programs: Offer regular training sessions and workshops to educate employees on the importance of diversity and inclusion and to help eliminate unconscious biases. These programs can also help employees understand different perspectives and cultures.

• Encourage open and inclusive communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Encourage employees to speak up when they see or experience discriminatory behavior and provide a safe space for these conversations to take place.

• Promote diversity in hiring practices: Ensure that your recruitment and hiring processes are fair and unbiased, and that they attract a diverse range of applicants. Consider implementing blind resumes, where names and personal information are removed, to reduce unconscious bias during the interview process. Additionally, actively seek out and engage with diverse candidate networks and organizations.

professional development and growth opportunities. 

Employees want to feel that their careers are progressing and that they are developing new skills and knowledge. In fact, the pursuit of opportunities for career growth and development is among the top drivers behind talent seeking new roles.

Ways to encourage employee professional development:

• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities: Offer employees a variety of training programs, workshops, and courses to help them develop new skills and advance their careers. This can include both technical and soft skills training, as well as opportunities for leadership development.

• Encourage career advancement: Provide opportunities for employees to take on new responsibilities and challenges, and support their growth into leadership positions. Offer mentorship programs, rotational assignments, and job shadowing opportunities to help employees gain new experiences and skills.

• Foster a culture of learning: Encourage employees to take ownership of their professional development and growth by providing resources such as online learning platforms, professional development budgets, and encouraging employees to attend conferences and events relevant to their fields. Additionally, recognize and reward employees who demonstrate a commitment to their own professional development and growth.

By incorporating these trends into their workplace culture, employers can create a positive and supportive environment that meets the needs and priorities of their employees. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention, and ultimately, to the success of the organization.

Interested in finding out more about what talent wants in a positive workplace, or perhaps you’re seeking out an opportunity to connect with an employer that values your well-being and growth? Reach out to one of our scouted team members.

And in the meantime, keep in touch to stay in the know.