5 Priorities Employees Care About Most in 2023

As we roll through 2023, the things American employees care about are taking a new turn. There are some real deal-breakers shaping how they feel about their jobs and lives. We're talking about nailing that sweet spot between work and play, having the freedom to shake up where and when they work, feeling like their company actually cares, keeping tabs on their career journey, and knowing what's up with their job security. In this article, we delve into the five elements that are driving the decisions of America's employees this year.

1. Work-life balance and workplace flexibility

Employers are beginning to take employees’ needs seriously for time away from work, unplugging, and flexible arrangements for when and where they work. LinkedIn’s 2022 Global Talent Trends survey reveals that 63% of professionals selected work-life balance as a top priority when picking a new job. The report also shows that workers are 2.6x more likely to report being happy and 2.1x more likely to recommend working at a company when they can choose their location and their work schedules. Some of the popular options many employers are now offering include hybrid remote/in-office work, compressed workweeks, and flexible hours.

2. A people-centric approach

In the ongoing process of overcoming the psychological and economic strains brought about by the pandemic, employees – especially in the younger generations – want to be appreciated as complete individuals by their employers. Today’s talented workers gravitate to companies that institute programs and ventures that acknowledge their humanity and personal needs. Many employers are instituting benefits like these, or plan on doing so:

• Proactive periods of rest: Increased and flexible PTO enables employees to sustain their productivity and emotional strength. Forward-thinking employers are beginning to provide paid time off not just as a means of recovery, but as a preventative measure, granting paid leave prior to demanding work periods, holidays, and high-pressure situations. They are also giving workers more free time during the day to take care of personal matters, exercise, or just to fight fatigue.
• Mental health and work issue counseling: Whether on-site or off-site, many employers offer counseling services to assist employees in addressing workplace issues and establish a non-judgmental environment for mental wellness discussions. Learn more about managing employees’ mental health.
• Wellness programs: Many larger corporations continue to expand their offerings of programs that focus on physical, mental, and emotional health, including fitness classes, meditation sessions, and stress management workshops. According to LinkedIn, 66% of Gen Z workers say more investment in mental health will improve company culture. The U.S. Surgeon General confirms the importance of well-being, reporting that 81% of workers will be looking for workplaces that support their mental health in the future.

3. Career advancement potential, with career tracking

Top employers increasingly leverage transparent career advancement opportunities to attract and retain top-tier talent. By providing a clear trajectory for growth within the organization, they are enticing prospective employees and nurturing a culture of professional development. By implementing robust career tracking systems, employees can chart their individual paths and work towards highly specific objectives. This approach enhances motivation and engagement and also ensures that workers are aligned with the company's long-term vision.

4. Transparency about job status, stability, and workplace changes

Recent research highlighted in the MIT Sloan Management Review reveals that employees seek transparent communication from their leaders regarding the possibility of layoffs and their organizations’ strategies for returning to the office following pandemic-related shifts to remote and hybrid work. Workers expect clearer communications to reduce the stress-inducing effects of uncertainty in the broader economy and with their employer.

5. Competitive salary and benefits packages

Inflation and cost of living increases are reducing most Americans' buying power and quality of life, making competitive salaries and benefits packages even more important for attracting and retaining talent. Many younger employees value health insurance packages with low deductibles and strong coverage including mental health benefits, maternity and paternity leave packages, and commuter expense reimbursement.

These five employee priorities in 2023 are not just wish-list items anymore; they're the building blocks of a fulfilling work experience. In recognizing and catering to these needs, employers can create environments that attract and retain top talent and foster a thriving and motivated workforce ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of today's ever-changing world.

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