WHAT EMPLOYEES WANT …
We’re in the business of people, headhunting talent for some of Australia’s most-loved brands. We’re chatting to active and passive job seekers all day long and asking YOU, the people, what it is that you reeeaaalllly want when it comes to that new shiny job package.
We knew there were common threads popping up in interviews, but there’s nothing like a good data dump to support our cheeky assumptions. So naturally, we took to insta to ask our fave digital fam what you really want. The results were loud and clear.
SO WHAT’S THE 411?
On the topic of WFH, Office and Hybrid work:
89% of you said that your preference is a Hybrid working model. Meaning you prefer balance in your working week. The opportunity to work from home and from the office is what you prefer most. It’s a big majority stat (and we’re HERE for it).
On the topic of workplace perks and a new role offer:
We asked, when searching for a new role, what was most likely to get you across the line.
The #1 thing you want in any new role is a flexible start and finish time. 40% of you said that flexibility in your scheduled shifts is the most important workplace perk any prospective new employer could ask.
This was closely followed by 37% of you who said an increase in salary when making the move to a new employer was most important to you.The rest of you said WFH flexibility or the option for mental health days would be the most important thing that would get you across the line.
We’re thinking a little bump in salary with a side of flexible start and finish times sounds like a dream opportunity to almost all of you. Are we right, or are we right?
The goss on the ‘WOULD YOU RATHER’ workplace edition:
61% of you would rather flexible working hours over a great salary
58% of you would rather flexible working hours over mental health days
57% of you would rather a personal development budget over a paid gym membership
We think it’s pretty loud and clear that a little more flexibility in the working week really is the top of everyone’s list in the current job search environment.
So how do we suggest bringing flexibility to the retail and support office realms of the fashion industry?
FOR SUPPORT OFFICE ROLES:
We love the idea of set office days per department, mixed with the option of a set number of WFH days each week
We love the idea of challenging the 9-5 and understanding whether earlier starts and finishes, or late starts and late finishes, can work even more effectively for your team
We love the idea of team members being able to leave early to beat the peak hour rush, to then pick up the hours at home later in the afternoon
We love love love the idea of seasonal hours. Summer Fridays (start early, finish early), Winter Wednesdays (start late, finish late) and all the other fun alliteration in between
FOR SHOP FLOOR ROLES:
We love the idea of shift bidding. Allow your team to bid for the shifts they want and to be more flexible in working changing rosters. There are great apps available for this
We love the idea of Store Managers being given WFH days – fortnightly, monthly, weekly, whatever works for your business. We know there is admin there to be done! Include them and make it happen
We love the idea of your leaders being given at least one weekend per month off. Or Store Managers transitioning into Monday – Friday roles as they become more senior and established as trainers and leaders
There are so very many ways to skin a cat. There is no longer a one size fits all approach to the working model in our industry. If you want to be an employer of choice and score the staff of your dreams (in a market where talent is dry and being snapped up quickly!) then the word FLEXIBLE needs to be a part of your repertoire.
More to come on this topic. We have so much more to say and share, but for now, it’s time to get back to the interview grind.
Au reviour for now,
Lauren x