Companies struggle to hire workers, so workers ‘wait and watch’

According to Michael Page’s latest Talent Trends Report, two-fifths (25%) of employers struggle to hire in spite of an increase in unemployment.

The recruiter discovered that 45% employees want more meaning from their work. Meanwhile, 43% do not feel that leaders are balancing the needs of business with the well-being of the workforce.

Nearly half of professionals (47%) are actively looking for a job, but they’re holding out until the role meets all their requirements.

Nearly a third of respondents also cited salary as a concern: 31% said that they were unhappy with the current rate of pay, and 46% said this would be their number one priority in seeking a new job.

Over half of those who returned to work did so due to company policies. This is despite 81% of respondents stating that work-life balance at work was the most important factor.

Michael Page says that there is also a disconnect when it comes back-to-office directives.

43 percent of managers think that their productivity increases when they visit their employees, whereas 46% of workers believe they are more productive in the workplace. Nearly half (47%) of respondents said they would seek a new position if flexible working arrangements were changed.

Around a third of employees (35%) feel that they can be themselves at work. This is down from 41% a decade ago. In 2018, 43% of employees said they wanted a corporate culture that reflected personal values. This is up from 34% in 2017.

Doug Rode UK and Ireland managing directors described the trend of this year as “wait and watch” where candidates have a vision for their ideal workplace, and expect employers to match it.

He said that there is no “one-size-fits all” solution. Businesses who try to please the masses may find themselves in trouble.

In an increasingly competitive job market, companies that are able to clearly articulate their policies, and their employer value proposition, across key considerations like salary, flexibility and technology, have a better chance of securing the candidates who align with their business. Two in five passive job seekers remain open to roles which meet their needs.

Shazia Ejaz is the director of campaigns for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. She said that the findings are a “wake up call” to employers.

Employees are looking for a sense of purpose and flexibility. They also want to feel trusted. Businesses must listen to their employees, create inclusive cultures and offer roles which allow them to work while juggling other obligations to thrive in the market today.

“Such investments will not only help to attract and retain talented employees, but also drive long-term success for the business.

The survey shows that the UK’s productivity is not up to par. This poses a problem for employers as well as the government. The survey suggests that companies should adopt the approaches which work best for their company by aligning goals with employee feedback about the most effective working methods.

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