Well-being at work and flexible working hours are now as important as salary in the eyes of young workers, a study by CBC Bank and Insurance found on Monday.
The development, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, is forcing companies to review their recruitment processes and get creative.
According to the results of the survey, which polled more than 750 working people aged 18 to 32 (either employed or looking for a job), respondents cited day-to-day well-being at work (38%), salary (37%) and flexibility (both in terms of working hours and location, at 34%) as their main expectations in a new job, ahead of stability (30%) and the search for meaning (12%). Nearly a third (31%) might also consider a career change in order to obtain greater flexibility, in particular through teleworking.
These results reflect trends that have existed for several years and that successive crises have accelerated, said Marine De Ridder, lecturer at the ICHEC Brussels Management School.
"In particular, the Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced the search for flexibility. The spheres of leisure, family and relationships is also becoming more important, so we need a salary package that can meet these needs," she said.
These developments are forcing companies to review their recruitment and leadership model to attract and retain talent, especially as more than 40% of young working people expect to change jobs at most every 5 years, the study notes. In particular, employers need to adapt to the demand for flexibility and offer something in line with practical expectations.
"Previously, employers dictated the rules of the labour market, but there is role reversal now, with young people having the opportunity to choose," confirmed Michel Lebrun, human resources coordinator at CBC. "A company has to be creative to be attractive, for example by extending the salary package with new alternatives, and keep an eye on current trends."
