What Future Workers Want

The pandemic has forever changed the way we approach work, and hiring managers need to respond to employees’ changing needs and desires to remain competitive. Smart leaders have acknowledged the changing winds and are already trimming the sails accordingly. For example, a recent study revealed that future employees overwhelmingly would expect flexible work options. The study showed that 88% of knowledge workers said they would seek out a job that offers complete flexibility in hours and location when searching for a new position. Employees also want their organizations to rethink the way productivity is measured. The vast majority (86%) said they would prefer a company that prioritizes outcomes over output, meaning they want managers that care more about the impacts they deliver rather than the measurable amount of work accomplished. Finally, employees want to work with diverse teams. Honest, accessible metrics about the progress of diversity programs and transparency regarding gaps will be critical in accomplishing this goal.