The Employers Dilemma
As we trudge through this pervasive Covid-19 pandemic, employers are desperately trying to get back to the business of making money. To do this, they need employees. The same ones they were forced to furlough when the pandemic hit in March of 2020.
However, job seekers are no longer satisfied with the status-quo. They want more – more pay, more time-off, better work-life balance, and healthcare. Perks such as childcare assistance, flexible work schedules, work-from-home options, or hybrid schedules are other perks that will be more attractive to prospective employees.
This is more than what many employers were willing to offer pre-Covid-19. It is a revolutionary time for job seekers because it is the first in a very long time that the ball is in their court; and to their credit, job seekers are using this to their advantage. So, evaluating what perks and incentives will work for them and their family is of utmost importance.
Employers are learning, albeit slowly, to value their employees. Consequently, employers are now offering additional perks and higher wages to get people into their businesses. it is very easy for job seekers however to get caught up with these incentives and perks.
Andrew Carnegie said it best: “take away my people but, leave my factories and soon grass will grow on the factory floors…take away my factories, but leave my people and soon we will have a new and better factory”.
The Prospective Employees
Many of the perks being offered may not be useful to the job seeker. It is no longer just about sign on bonuses, pay rate, and basic health insurance, but so much more. Job seekers, especially Gen Zers, are looking for companies that align with their values, practice corporate social responsibility, live up to their mission and vision, and give them flexible work schedules or work-from-home opportunities, where possible. Job seekers should research the company to learn their views on diversity, equity, and inclusion, how they view work-life balance, if they offer training and development opportunities, and growth potential.
Job seekers will need to carefully evaluate the myriad of perks and incentives that employers are dangling like carrots before a horse.
Remember, when you are interviewing, it is a two-way street. You are interviewing the company as well, so do your research.
Three things to focus your energy on when evaluating a prospective employer:
1. Will the perks and incentives being offered add value to your or your family’s life?
2. What is the culture, mission, and vision of the company, and do they practice what they speak?
3. Does the company align with your values, and do they truly practice corporate social responsibility, if this is important to you?
You may ask, “how do I find that out without insider information”
It’s easy, here’s how. Sign up for Glassdoor or use the various other search engines to your advantage. You may even want to visit the company and observe the employees. Happy employees = good leadership.
Overall, job seekers should look past the fluff and decide what is important for them and their family and if the company offers those benefits.
We would love to hear your thoughts?
Paula Hamilton, SHRM-CP, PHR
Copy Editor and Contributor
