What Workers Want

From Surviving to Thriving at Work People Power is on the Up People want employers to offer more – to prioritize wellbeing and purpose, while providing hygiene factors including flexibility, competitive pay, good working conditions and skills development. Many also expect a stronger stance on socio-economic issues too-shared values matter. Source: 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer: The Belief Driven Employee

^{What Workers Want | Talent Scarcity | Tech Accelerates | Companies Reset}

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^{What Workers Want | Talent Scarcity | Tech Accelerates | Companies Reset}

THE REINVENTION OF WORK BY WORKERS – FLEXIBILITY, LOCATION & PURPOSE

Individual choice will be in the reach of the many – not just the few. People from all roles – from the production line to the home office – will demand flexibility, fair wages, and more autonomy as a norm, redefining “essential” for work and for workers.

A heightened focus on a values-driven agenda, empathetic leaders and a culture of trust will become a net positive for attracting and retaining talent and engaging remote teams. The employee value proposition will take precedence.

TOP 3 MOST IMPORTANT WORK FLEXIBILITY FACTORS:

Ability to choose start and end times (45%)
More vacation days (36%)
Having fully flexible workplace options (35%)

^{Source: ManpowerGroup What Makes Workers Thrive Survey, December 2021}

49% of workers
would move to an organization for better wellbeing.

^{Source: Mercer Global Talent Trends 2020-21}

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^{What Workers Want | Talent Scarcity | Tech Accelerates | Companies Reset}

MENTAL FITNESS PRIORITIZED — PREVENTION WILL BE BETTER THAN CURE

Mental fitness will be increasingly prioritized, expanding traditional health and safety exponentially. A mass movement to break the stigma of silence will require employers to be explicit about their increased duty of care-protecting mental health as well as wealth, employability and wellbeing. Expect growing calls to action on ways to prevent burnout, build resilience and boost mental fitness.

3 in 10 workers want more mental health days to prevent burnout.

^{Source: ManpowerGroup What Makes Workers Thrive Survey, December 2021}

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^{What Workers Want | Talent Scarcity | Tech Accelerates | Companies Reset}

THE DECOUPLING OF WORK AND HOME CONTINUES

Hybrid work models and untethered work are more in demand than ever as people are intent on retaining the pandemic’s silver lining and reshaping their own new world of work: balancing home and work, valuing flexibility, interaction, collaboration and human connection in a way that works for them.

The hybrid paradox will continue while we practice and perfect flexibility that works for all. CHROs face the next great challenge as they reimagine hiring, onboarding and employee wellbeing for the new digital world of work.

4 in 10 people want to
pick which days they work
remote and have the flexibility to
change those days each week.

^{Source: ManpowerGroup What Makes Workers Thrive Survey, December 2021}

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^{What Workers Want | Talent Scarcity | Tech Accelerates | Companies Reset}

CULTURE MATTERS – THE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION TOOL THAT EATS STRATEGY
FOR BREAKFAST

The heightened focus on reshaping company culture to build trust, retain remote teams and energize the employee experience will call for an Employee Value Proposition that brings a sense of purpose and wellbeing plus empathetic leadership for a digital world.

In this era of talent scarcity, best employers will realize firsthand: without investing in and evolving company culture, they will struggle to execute their strategy and need to prepare to lose talent to companies that will.

3 in 4 workers want to feel motivated
and passionate about their work.

7 in 10 believe the work they
do is important and want their
contributions to be recognized
by management.

^{Source: ManpowerGroup What Makes Workers Thrive Survey, December 2021}

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^{What Workers Want | Talent Scarcity | Tech Accelerates | Companies Reset}

THE RISE OF VOICE AND ACTIVISM

Louder demands for raising wages, flexible working, broader benefits and climate action are being galvanized via social media, with or without trade unions.

2021 saw workers stand up, speak up and walk out across industries. Employees and customers want to spend their time and money with organizations that act as stakeholders: global citizens, pillars of the community and environmental stewards.

64% of employees want their daily work to help better society.

2 in 3 workers want to work for organizations with similar values to their own.

^{Source: ManpowerGroup What Makes Workers Thrive Survey, December 2021}

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