Employees want more flexibility, but employers are falling short in offering it
Employers and employees have agreed that hiring and getting hired have become more difficult than before the pandemic, as they fail to see eye-to-eye on benefits and other employee demands.
A recent report from the Resume Builder bared that 44% of employers are finding it hard to hire new workers compared to the time before the pandemic, while 45% of employees said finding a new job is more difficult than pre-COVID period.
These findings come as employees' priorities when it comes to workplaces change, and as employers fail to address their applicants' shifting priorities.
According to the report, flexible schedules are the most sought-after benefit by employees, but only 32% of employers are allowing staff to come up with their own schedules.
Aside from this, the flexibility to choose their own work location also placed sixth in the most sought-after needs by employees, but the report showed only 21% of employers allow their employees to work remotely.
With these findings, Stacie Haller, a job search coach and executive recruiter, said in a statement that employers who are sticking to pre-COVID work arrangements run the risk of missing out on qualified employees.
"Pre-COVID, flexible schedules were mostly shunned in the corporate world, but employees are proving they can manage and exceed job expectations while having a work/life balance, resulting in low turnover within companies," she said. "Since progressive organizations are getting on board with this, job-seekers are flocking to those companies, In turn, those organisations are able to hire top talent."
Read more: Flexibility tops wish list for jobseekers
Higher compensation, improved benefits
In addition to flexibility, having increased pay and improved benefits were also the most requested requirements by employees.
However, increased pay is only offered by 40% of employers, increased paid leave is offered by 33%, while retirement benefits are offered by a lower 23%.
Haller said that jobseekers are now at the "driver's seat" when it comes to hiring and are being firmer in what they will accept in a new position.
"Progressive companies willing to meet those needs are enjoying a great ability to hire, while those who refuse to move in a new direction are seeing repercussions," said Haller. "Employers need to incorporate these priorities in order to attract and retain talent. There are too many other choices for job-seekers to settle."
