Aligning Expectations: Employee vs. Employer

What is considered to be an employee benefit can sometimes change over time.

Offering a flexible schedule is no longer a perk reserved for specific positions/circumstances – it’s a necessity for many in the workforce, and more commonplace than ever.

According to a recent poll of more than 14,000 currently employed adults, “…nearly 40 percent of global candidates report that schedule flexibility is now among the top three factors they consider when making career decisions.” Furthermore, “…two-thirds (63 percent) of today’s candidates do not believe they need to be sitting at their desk to get their work done. Technology has irreversibly shifted the paradigm in many workplaces. In response, more companies are implementing some type of flexibility policy than ever before. As a result, companies that are proactively creating flexible work arrangements may be at an advantage in recruiting and retaining in-demand talent.”

TZR Takeaway: What is a benefit?

Keep in mind, many competitors in your industry are addressing these new preferences and what you are able to offer may be the difference between hiring top talent and struggling to fill important positions.

TZR is positioned to provide insight into candidate preferences as well as help your organization understand trends as they continue to emerge in each industry.

We know our job seekers and what it will take to make your offer the best it can be – for candidates and your bottom line.

The shift in thinking has evolved quickly and requires organizations to revise their policies and adjust their own expectations accordingly.

‘Flexibility’ is a general term and can encompass a lot of different ideas. In general, we believe it is helpful to consider some of the following when updating your company’s policies:

• Arrival and departure times (clocking in and out)
• Work from home vs. in office
• Compressed work weeks
• Sabbaticals/career breaks
• Paid time off
• Caregiving leave

According to this study, the reason behind the push for flexibility depends on a wide range of factors including “… the presence of multinational companies, workforce composition (such as a large number of Millennials), the presence of unions, the influence of technology firms in the marketplace, economics and employment levels, and lengthy commuting times due to congestion, poor infrastructure or lack of public transportation.”

As is the case with any significant shift in workplace culture and expectations, the challenges also come with unexpected benefits.

Consider that “Flexible work arrangements have the power to uncover new groups of potential candidates who have faced challenges fitting into a traditional workforce culture.”

Adapting to a new way of thinking of the traditional work day/week will give your organization access to a new pool of talent that may not have been part of your original consideration set for reasons out of your or their control.

“In many cases, expanding candidate profiles to consider those who require schedule flexibility can provide companies with the secondary benefit of enhancing diversity.”

Understanding your employees needs as well as the challenges presented by your specific industry and geographic location will be essential going forward.

TZR Takeaway: The impact of flexibility

We believe in being fully integrated into your hiring processes. That includes a mutual understanding of the challenges and advantages you face in your specific industry.

As we work through these ideas, consider that “Evolution rather than revolution will also help bridge the gap between traditional styles of management and more autonomous teamwork, as well as any generational gaps that may arise. Understanding the specific factors that drive increasing demands by candidates for schedule flexibility will help management and human resources professionals craft meaningful flexible work arrangements that support the employer brand.”

Customizing the experience to the candidate is essential – net everyone can offer the same benefits – but understanding the needs of your talent can make all the difference to securing the right talent who can start producing results on day one. If you’re ready to get the job done, connect with us today.