Why Choose You? How Employers Can Set Themselves Apart from the Crowd

Job seekers are becoming increasingly selective about which type of company they want to work for, taking note of what’s in it for them. Now, more than ever, employers need to compete to attract and retain the best talent.

In this blog post, we'll look at how you can make yourself more appealing to employees, including what can help position your business ahead of the competition.

Changes In Employee Behaviour

Expectations have changed following the pandemic. A new normal is being established where many employees expect flexibility to do their work from home when appropriate, freeing up commute time, with fewer distractions for their focussed tasks and allowing more freedom to create a better work/life balance.

Whether it's wanting access to nature, having their wellness needs met or working in a way that's productive to them, each employee will have differing priorities when looking at how to choose an employer.

Setting Yourself Apart for Employee Attraction and Retention

There are numerous things that a company can consider when looking to improve employee retention and attraction. Whether it's choosing the right location, enhancing the office design, making changes to the working day, tailoring your benefits packages, and/or creating a fun and productive environment, there are several ways you can set yourself apart and help bridge the expectation gap.

Investing in great office spaces

We've seen recently that many workplaces are investing in offices that help get the most out of the employees, ranging from dynamic working zones that are great for agile working to ensuring that the office is as inclusive as it can be. This can range from including accessible entrances, prayer rooms and much more.

When employees are looking at how to choose an employer, we've found that appealing office space is a common requirement, owing to the fact that well-equipped and considered workplaces are often much more productive and appealing.

Choosing somewhere that's accessible

While many are returning to the office, hybrid working is still widespread, so getting to the office quickly is a popular desire, especially if working from home is an alternative option. When employees are looking at how to choose an employer, they want to work somewhere convenient for them, often accompanied by ample bike storage, located close to amenities and accessible by public transport. For those who still prefer driving to the office, providing free parking is a plus, especially when all-day parking can be incredibly expensive in central locations.

Inclusive and collaborative spaces

Collaborative and inclusive office designs are gaining popularity as essential factors for individuals considering an employer. By providing a well-considered workplace that encourages teamwork, communication and inclusivity, companies can create a space people want to spend time in, making the return to the office far more straightforward and stress-free for all parties. Inclusive office designs that break down physical barriers can encourage better communication among employees and their managers, making sharing information that can improve outcomes and results easier.

Greenspaces and quiet areas

Green spaces at work are increasingly becoming a sought-after feature by employees when considering how to choose an employer. They offer a range of benefits that contribute to employee wellbeing and satisfaction, making them an attractive employer perk for employees. Green spaces have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and improve overall mental wellbeing.

According to Workman, access to these spaces at work can help employees cope with work-related stress, leading to higher job satisfaction. Having access to green spaces at work, whether through public parks or a rooftop terrace, also encourage employees to engage in physical activity by going for a walk which, in turn, improves productivity.

Providing Perks for Employees

In this new world of work, employers need to go beyond just providing a workplace and paying wages. We're seeing perks and benefits packages become more of a requirement, which is a key factor for those applying for jobs. These perks can include cycle-to-work schemes, casual Fridays, equal parental leave and private healthcare.

Company-wide wellness policies

Wellness policies at work are a sign of good company culture, which is becoming desirable for individuals evaluating how to choose an employer. Companies can demonstrate their commitment to employee health and wellbeing by offering comprehensive wellness programs, making these employer perks for employees highly appealing.

Wellness programs often promote physical activity, healthy eating and stress management, and this can result in better overall health for employees. This doesn't need to be an immediate or sudden change, but small steps can be taken to gradually introduce this, tailored to the unique needs of your employees.

Flexible working arrangements

As we touched upon earlier, when workers are wanting to know how to choose an employer, flexible and hybrid working arrangements are usually high on the list, primarily because many know that their work can be done without them being in the office all week.

We can connect you with serviced office providers with flexible contracts, so you only need to pay for the space you’re using.

Rewarding those who go above and beyond

When we're looking at employer perks for employees, an excellent way to spread happiness and ensure that they feel appreciated is to actively reward and recognise those who are great at their jobs, especially those who go above and beyond, as explained by recent Gallup research. Whether it's in the form of an Amazon voucher, a lunch away from the office or an early finish one day of the week, there are small ways to improve morale which won't cost a fortune.

Look for ways to bring people together

Collaboration is key, and creating teams of people who enjoy each other's company and know they can rely on one another is a great way to improve retention. In addition, when people can see from the outside that great work is being done by people who appear genuinely happy at work, they'll want to work there, making it far easier to attract the very best prospects. Bringing people together does not need to be a formal activity and we are seeing office spaces being used more and more for social activities, too.

If you're looking to relocate to an office space that makes attracting and retaining top talent easier, our team will be more than happy to help. Get in touch to find your next flexible office space at the best rates.