HRD explores some of the key trends that emerged from the Employer of Choice Awards
After the turmoil of COVID, one thing is very clear – human capital should be your number one business priority. The employer of Choice Awards couldn’t have happened at a more important time, with businesses emerging stronger than before and leaders are putting employees at the forefront as the navigate the future of working.
A special report published by HRD explores some key trends that emerged from the awards.
Key trends that emerged from the Employer of Choice Awards
- Flex is here to stay
Businesses were beginning to delve into the world of flexi-work pre-pandemic. When the pandemic sped up the process, it emerged that employers and employees were going to have to work together to figure out the future of working.
This year’s submissions showed employers embracing flexibility. Pauly Grant, chief talent officer at Publicis Group said: “People wanted flexibility, but they may have been scared to approach it because people weren’t talking about it on the same level as they are now.”
Flexibility offers many benefits; it gives you improved employee value proposition and it opens you up to a more diverse range of jobseekers. In the future, having flexible working options will be key to staying competitive.
- Leading from the top
The hybrid world has brought culture to the forefront. A strong workplace culture helps keep employees engaged, without it, employee experience crumbles.
The pandemic has shown us that good culture starts with the leadership team. Finder CEO, Chris Ellis told HRD: “An ethos of open and transparent communication had served his team well, both before and during the pandemic. We really encourage everyone to speak up, so if something’s on their mind, this is a culture where I want to hear it.” He continued, “Part of that is creating a level of trust and mutual respect, but also a mechanism for receiving feedback.”
“As leaders navigate the new world of dispersed teams, company culture will play a key role. It’s very important that we create an environment where every individual has the clear line of sight as to how what they do connects with the longer-term vision,” Ellis said.
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- Doubling down on diversity
The impact of the pandemic on woman has many employers worried that gains made in diversity in recent. Employers have a vital role in stopping that. Adobe HR business partner, Cathy Mattiussi said employers had reached a critical point in the fight to make workplaces more diverse and inclusive. “It’s important for employers to take stock of where we’re at and make sure the gains aren’t eroded.”
Driving better diversity and inclusion will continue to be a priority for all HR leaders.
- A holistic view of wellbeing
The global pandemic has also brought a more holistic approach to wellbeing into the limelight. Effects of the pandemic normalised discussing mental health and opened dialogue in workplaces across the country.
MYOBs head of organisational development and learning, Lauren Trethowan, said the need to support employee wellbeing was as important during the return to the office as it was during the pandemic.
Burnout and fatigue aren’t going away but employers are able to put measures in place to capture it early and ensure your culture remains healthy.
Read the full Special Report here