CJ Eason, “The Job Doctor,” President of Community Outreach with JobFairGiant.com.
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Back in the day, the sole focus of my grandparents and parents was solely on job safety and a regular paycheck. The traditional employment model was straightforward: work, earn, repeat. However, the current self-first workforce seeks more than just financial compensation; people expect meaningful employer support and engagement.
I observed this shift firsthand during the 2023 UAW Strikes in Detroit, as I was fortunate enough to support the frontline workers with water and snacks as the strike carried on. They were increasingly vocal about the need for better pay, a nurturing company culture and a balanced work-life dynamic. These factors are now crucial in shaping company brands nationwide.
Meeting these evolving expectations is vital if companies want to retain existing talent and attract new talent that prioritizes a supportive work environment.
Employees Want Employers That Care
In today's challenging world, prospective employees are increasingly drawn to companies that demonstrate social consciousness and a commitment to positive changes. That's why corporate brand activism—where companies aim to impact social, economic, environmental or political issues—plays a pivotal role in recruitment, reach and, ultimately, profits.
The 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer highlights the growing importance of an organization’s values in employees' decision-making; six in 10 professionals choose employers according to shared beliefs and values. This is often because they see their choice as an extension of their personal brand. Therefore, they've become more vocal about their expectations, which is pushing employers to reflect on their values and priorities.
4 Elements Of A Caring Company
These elements are key in establishing whether a company is truly committed to its people.
• Value: This is what makes you a worthwhile employer. Your values encompass your unique benefits, what employees gain from working with you and what sets you apart from others in the job market.
• Promise: This refers to any pledge your company makes to employees. It could be anything from ensuring workplace happiness to offering specific benefits like credit education programs or family discounts. It's vital that you consistently keep your promises.
• Reputation: This is how your company is known in the job market. You want to cultivate a strong reputation where potential employees and consumers know you create a supportive environment that encourages growth and new ideas. You don't want to become known for negative things like only offering short-term or unsatisfactory job experiences.
• Story: You must share employees' successes to build brand credibility. It's not just about having long-term employees; it also takes into account whether those employees are happy and thriving. Your employee stories can either be inspiring or cautionary tales for potential candidates.
2 Ways To Be A More Employee-Focused Company
Launch into a productive 2024 by demonstrating that your company cares about current and future employees. Here are two options you can try.
1. Provide A Variety Of Education Opportunities
Enroll employees in self-paced online continuing education classes. A well-trained employee can be a benefit to a workplace. While some training is mandatory for work performance, general training opportunities—such as time management, stress management, assertive skills development and personal confidence development—can motivate employees to come up with new ideas.
Educating employees on matters that affect their personal lives, such as financial health, is another key aspect of being an employee-focused company. Connecting with finance strategists helps outline the key benefits of workplace financial education for both employees and employers. Your employees will gain improved financial well-being and reduce financial stress, which can contribute to increased job satisfaction and enhanced productivity and performance. Providing this kind of education will help improve your employee retention, increase employee engagement, foster a better organizational culture and enhance your reputation as an employer.
2. Support Employee Well-Being
Prioritizing employee well-being is a key strategy for enhancing workplace productivity and satisfaction. Implementing various strategies that positively impact physical, mental and emotional health can lead to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. For example, providing massage therapy sessions can help improve employees' mood, reduce stress and increase energy levels. Other strategies may include mindfulness exercises, regular health checkups, flexible work schedules and ergonomic workspaces. These opportunities can help ensure you're fostering a healthier, more engaged and more productive workforce.
For 2024, employers should be mindful that employees are seeking more than financial compensation. They want a satisfying, values-driven workplace. How you approach the commitment to employee support and engagement will be essential for retaining and attracting talent this year and beyond.
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