Be the Change Employees Want to See in the World

Last updated on February 15, 2024

Whether you’re socializing online or in person, you can sense emotional fatigue everywhere. There’s a lot going on right now — post-pandemic stress, world events, the recession. Everybody is rethinking everything, and a lot is being rewritten recruitment too. Candidate demands have changed over the past year and employee patience is running out. It’s never been harder to attract qualified applicants.

Let’s take this transformational period as an opportunity to reshape the way we think about recruitment and create a better future for ourselves and our teams. If you emerge as the employer brand that strives to make the world a better place, you can create the workplace your dream candidates actually want. What could entice top talent better?

This is what candidates want from a job

The pandemic has significantly impacted the job market and has led to a rapid reallocation of the employee mindset. Workers found stressful conditions unbearable and the urge for living a meaningful life swept through the U.S.

As a result, well-being became the number one deciding factor for job candidates. Today, applicants look for job security, health and safety, company culture, and flexibility when considering new career opportunities. These factors are all equally critical when accepting a job offer. Candidates want to make sure they are taken care of and that their needs are met in their new workplaces, and employers must adapt to this for hiring success.

Build a team where everybody thrives

As humans, we all have the desire to do what we are wired for. Our happiness depends heavily on it. And the best talent only trusts hiring companies that invest in their employees because they share this philosophy. That’s why it is paramount to focus on building a workplace where employees come to work with joy. If they are motivated, that shines through their morale and inspires more people to apply for your open positions.

Establish a mindset of love, peace, and joy

Approach everyone, including candidates and team members, with love, peace, and joy. Right now, this is what the world needs.

Successful leaders believe that love is a thousand times more powerful and permanent than fear and punishment. So foster a culture of understanding and respect as the hallmark of your employer brand. This will encourage employees to feel safe and valued in their work environment. It will also help to create strong relationships between colleagues, making them more productive and efficient. A culture of love will create a positive and rewarding work atmosphere.

You can also take your talent acquisition efforts by standing strong in the face of adversity and be a source of positivity and hope. Let your kindness be like a beacon of light in dark times, inspiring your employees to do the same. Respond to workplace frustrations with peace. Infuse your inward and outward communication with joy to establish the human connection.

Put people first

Although revenue and growth are vital, people are what matter most. Employers should treat their employees with respect and dignity, regardless of their positions in the company. Therefore, be sure to show appreciation for employee contributions and value their opinions and ideas at all times.

Help them find purpose and meaning in what they do every day. Value the well-being of your team members above all else and celebrate their personal and professional achievements.

Let your employees know that you are willing to invest in improving their work environment so you can gain their trust and loyalty. Giving your team access to the resources they need to do their jobs effectively is a perfect way to prove that. But a little mindfulness can make a difference too. For instance, one simple way to express that you care is if you encourage employees to take regular breaks.

Lead by example

Leading by example is all about demonstrating what you want to see in your employees.

And prospects want to know if their employers will be transparent and honest about the company’s goals, challenges, and progress, so make sure you communicate these key messages regularly. By doing so, you can build trust and inspire your employees to do the same.

You can increase employee loyalty if you provide them with training opportunities and display that you’re committed to your own personal development. Make yourself a role model by attending workshops and conferences.

Participating with team activities can boost employee collaboration because they reflect a culture of support.

The bottom line

In today’s competitive job market, employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want to work for companies that share their values and make a positive impact on the world. If you become the change candidates want to see, you can attract top talent, enhance your employer brand, and improve employee retention.