The approach to work is constantly changing. Responding to employees’ expectations and offering more flexibility is key to gaining their trust and building a sense of company loyalty. How to study the needs of team members and respond to them accordingly? Which HR solutions are the future of the labour market? What work culture model will attract candidates? Read on to learn the answers to these and other questions.

Work in the past, work today

In the past, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the same office, for the same employer was not only something common but even desirable. Many employees stayed with the same employer for many years. Freelance? Workation? Work-life fit? Today they surprise no one, but just a few years ago they were treated rather as “curiosities”. Something that only a few professions could afford. It was hard to imagine, for example, an accountant or HR team working from a location different from the office. Today, that attitude has changed. Employees want more flexibility at work. Remote work opportunities. A new generation is also entering the labour market with a confident step, with specific expectations and needs. Young people do not get attached to a particular location if it does not meet their needs, and quickly decide to change. 

Flexibility in the approach of the new generation of employees

Work is an important part of life and it is hard to imagine this will change. Yet certain issues are transforming. Nowadays, great importance is attached to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Initially, the buzz was about work-life balance or the pursuit of a balance between one zone and the other. Today, however, many are looking to the gaining popularity of the work-life fit concept. It involves seamlessly combining work responsibilities with passion, raising children, and time for oneself. This promotes productivity and benefits the well-being of teams.

Rested employees are not at risk of burnout, and work that does not limit them only enhances their efficiency. If the workplace does not allow time for oneself, one’s family, to develop passions or simply to relax, it does not meet the expectations of modern employees. We have the opportunity to observe something like a “spiritual awakening”. A desire to take care of themselves and their needs first and foremost.

Flexibility and a modern workplace can already be seen during the recruitment process

It is not only the approach to performing duties that have changed. Recruitment or onboarding are processes that look very different in many companies today. What attracts new employees these days?

Salary. Many companies hide this information in advertisements and provide it only during interviews or in later stages of the process. Candidates often reject offers right away without providing a financial fork.

Contract type. Candidates have certain expectations regarding cooperation. Employment contract, B2B contract, contract of mandate or contract for work… It is best if the company offers the possibility of several different forms of employment because then candidates can choose the best suited to their needs.

Benefits. A fixed salary is one thing, but employee benefits are also a very important part of the offer. The employer should provide such arrangements that bring real value to employees. Those that allow them to expand their knowledge, take care of their health or relax – depending on the needs of the team.

Flexibility. In the era of the remote and hybrid model that is so popular, offering only office work is becoming seen as something “against” employees. Of course, it all depends on the industry, but where possible, the option of remote or hybrid work is desired by candidates. It gives more flexibility, which teams expect.

Work-life fit. Remember that private life has a huge impact on work and vice versa. Many employers around the world who have experienced this model have decided to implement at least elements of this approach. At Talent Place, we work in accordance with the work-life fit and observe the positive effects of this approach. Our employees have a choice: they decide on the type of contract, time and place of work. We have also implemented a Work-life fit benefit. An apartment in sunny Spain, serving as a place for workation or vacation. You can read more about the benefit here.

What kind of company is a good company?

A trusted employer needs to take care of its image already when sourcing candidates. Employer branding plays a huge role here. Its purpose is to gain trust and present the company in a favourable light among both candidates and current employees. A consistent and positive image is important because it builds trust with the employer and positions him as a good cooperation partner in the market. Most importantly, the company should be responsive to the changing needs of employees and offer specific solutions. Sometimes it can be psychological assistance, access to medical care or an additional training budget. Transparent communication and clear paths of development within the company’s structure are also important.

A responsible employer understands the needs of team members and can respond to them. He knows that effective work is not about “pizza day”, but about a cohesive, motivated team, good relations and trust in employees. He constantly listens and responds to needs and cares about employee welfare and development. Flexibility simply pays off!