There has been a dramatic shift in the job market, resulting in a new playing field for job seekers and recruitment teams. COVID-19 has significantly changed the talent market expectations, and individuals are considering numerous job-related factors instead of simply compensation. Two new factors being considered when looking for a job or deciding whether or not to stay at a job include work-life balance and wellness.
These two factors can play a huge role in a potential candidate’s decision. One major question they might have is whether or not they can work from home, including the possibility of a hybrid or fully remote role. Working remotely can ease the pressure of soaring gas prices, expensive housing, sitting in traffic, not having to rush home to make dinner or take/drop off their children, and the ability to spend more time with family. Not having these obligations or financial strain can relieve a lot of stress for both individuals and families.
New Trends in the Recruitment Process
My recruitment team and I are seeing the same trend! Applicants want to work remotely, and when contemplating the position, they consider wellness and work-life balance. Our postings that offer remote work are receiving a much higher volume of applicants than our non-remote positions. Similarly, we are finding individuals are specifically looking for job postings that have a hybrid or fully remote option.
In many cases, I have seen individuals turning down roles if there is no hybrid or full-time option to work from home. Furthermore, when asking candidates why they are looking to leave their current company, a common response has been because the company has required them to return to the office. This response is now the norm and is a deal-breaker for some workers.
From a recruitment mindset, working remotely eliminates the issue of geography and can now choose from a broader talent pool. It provides an opportunity to recruit and hire people with different backgrounds, knowledge, ideas, and experiences that were never an option before.
Changing our Mindset about Remote Work
With a talent shortage, if companies are going to stay competitive in the market, attract top talent, and retain current employees, they will need to consider the work from home option. Companies that offer these options see increased retention and reduced turnover (Note from The 17th Floor: 15% of Canadian employees would prefer to work entirely remotely, according to PwC). On the other hand, companies that do not provide these options will be losing out on talent and struggling with retention/turnover.
Overall, studies have found that remote workers are happier and healthier in addition to being more productive working remotely than from the office. Remote options allow people to be their best selves, both at home and at work.
The desire to work remotely is not going away because people got used to working from home and do not want to give it up!
Coming back to my original question, “If my company asked me to come back to the office, would I look for another job?” What would you do?
Is remote work a decisive factor for staying/starting a job? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Marna Lagerquist
CPM
4Refuel Canada LP
Profile | Linkedin
Marna is a BOA member of the 17th Floor.
The Board of Advisors (BOA) is a select group of Canadian professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help mentor and share their knowledge of human capital management within the community.
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8 Comments
I believe the flexibility to have employees work “remotely” or a mix of at work and at home is here to stay and companies that want to have a strong workforce need to adapt to this new reality. Over the past 2+ years of COVID employees and companies have learnt how to adapt to the new reality. If you start to see your employees leaving, maybe it is time to readjust your workplace policies! Great article Marna.
3 years agoI’m seeing this now in our organization. Management seems to be slow to respond but they are only hurting themselves and the employees who remain. We’ve lost a couple now to remote work. I hope this is implemented at our office soon.
3 years agoYES! Great article @Marna. I am one of those who would prefer never to go into a office ever again. I work best in my own environment.
With gas prices going up and up, the thought of driving to an office would add a HUGE expense also. Not having to get “fully” ready every day is a total bonus too!
3 years agoAs you’ve mentioned, in order to attract top talent, and retain current resources, providing a remote working environment (or hybrid) is something employers are going to need to consider. I’m seeing this trend when I’m recruiting lately…employees are looking for the work from home option…your article is so timely Marna.
3 years agoWe’ve all had to come back to the office. Possibly could have retained two employees if we had a work from home option. I would love the opportunity to work from home on some days and go in on others. Now with the soaring gas prices, I really would love this option.
3 years agoI do think that having an option to work from home or have flexibility between office and work from home hours is a huge benefit and I would consider it a selling feature for a company. I know I won’t go back to full time office hours unless I have to.
2 years agoThe organization that I work for is very flexible with work arrangements although they would like us to spend at least a couple days per week in the office. Employees seem to be happy with this arrangement and the work is getting done.
2 years agoI usually work in the office because I like being around people; although some Fridays I am almost alone in the office anyway. I find I can work better in the office; accessing our network is so much faster in the office and my workstation at work is a luxury. I have no issues connecting with my colleagues who prefer to work from home.
I believe having the option or as Denise mentioned above, the flexibility to work in the office or from home would be a huge benefit. Organizations who offer either of these options, are showing their trust in their employees as the work seems to be getting done.
2 years ago