We have been observing for several years now a dichotomy between candidates’ expectations and companies struggling to recruit.
The war for talent is everywhere, with 79% of companies facing significant recruitment difficulties, while the willingness of executives to change jobs has never been higher: 53% are open to new opportunities.
During interviews, we often ask candidates: what is your ideal job? For which company would you like to work?
Here is the profile of the ideal company sought by candidates.
Candidates are looking for a company where it’s good to work, with a positive work atmosphere, and a stimulating, supportive environment that allows them to thrive.
The quality of management is crucial. Future employees need inspiring leadership to be engaged and therefore productive.
However, 27% of executives are dissatisfied: they remain in their roles but only do the minimum or less. This is known as “quiet quitting” or employee disengagement.
At work, flexibility and autonomy are essential while respecting a balance between personal and professional life. Remote work is a decisive factor for a future employee when choosing a company.
Real support in terms of training and career guidance must be offered throughout one’s professional journey to develop skills.
(Employees want to be involved in strategic projects.)
The company must be attentive to gender equality, employment of seniors…
It should have a true Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) approach. It offers a safe and inclusive workplace.
It is a company to which employees feel attached.
Moreover, they pay attention to salary transparency. The Pay Transparency law is seen positively. It should help reduce the wage gap between men and women, and 74% say it encourages them to apply more than before.
Transparency and trust are the key words to attract and retain human resources in the company.
The ideal company places particular importance on the human factor, meaning it involves employees in decision-making. It is committed to gender equality and environmental responsibility.
The employee experience becomes a major asset to attract and retain talent.
The ideal company offers a holistic employee experience including the work environment, corporate culture, professional development opportunities, recognition, and work-life balance.
A Deloitte study shows that companies excelling in managing employee experience see significant revenue growth and are more likely to be among the most innovative companies.
Niels Tatem, founder of Speak & Act, emphasizes the strategic importance of employee experience:
“Tomorrow’s successful companies will be those that understand employee experience as a driver of performance. Investing in the well-being and development of employees is no longer optional but a necessity. Today’s talent seek environments where they feel valued and engaged. Companies must therefore reinvent their practices to meet these new expectations and remain competitive.”
Sources:
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Speak & Act Ranking of Best Employers 2024 by Noely Delabia
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Cadremploi Barometer conducted with IFOP in September 2024 in partnership with Syntec Conseil
