It's true: people are rethinking their priorities when it comes to work

Much has been said about the potential causes of the talent shortages employers are facing in 2021. But what I haven't seen many people saying is what seems obvious to us and many of our clients at RainmakerThinking: priorities are changing.

In the wake of a global pandemic, everyone, including the most dedicated and hard-working people, is rethinking what matters to them. Everyone is a little less sure about everything. It's been revealed that nothing is immune to change, after all.

Who wouldn't choose more life in the balance with work these days? That's not to say people are abandoning work altogether, or that they have nothing of value to gain from their jobs and working relationships. It's simply that people are more in-tune with their wants and needs than ever before. And they're not afraid to ask.

Employers have to shift, too

If you're an employer holding out for things to settle down and go back to (at least sort of) normal, I've got some bad news.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated trends and shifts in the employer-employee relationship we have been tracking for more than a decade. Greater scheduling flexibility, hybrid work, custom hiring & retention deals--none of these things are new. But sorry hiring managers, the cat's out of the bag. Employees know these accommodations are not only possible, but can be expected.

But there is good news

The good news is, you don't have to enter a bidding war for talent. Of course, financial compensation will always be the primary reason someone chooses to work for you--that's the point of a job, after all, isn't it? But money and other financial benefits aren't the only reason someone chooses to work for you.

Make a list of all the reasons someone might want to work for you. Consider everything, from the type of work your organization does, to the environment and culture, to the task choice for a particular role, to the relationships with colleagues, leaders, vendors, and customers.

What makes you different from the competition across the street? Ask your most loyal, longest-tenured employees. Don't dismiss anything you consider too small or insignificant. It is a starting point, if nothing else.

You may be surprised by what themes appear. Working for you might include huge incentives you would never have otherwise considered, or might lack something basic you overlooked. Whatever the case, it's important to understand the real value proposition you offer to current and potential employees.

Need more help?

Here are some other things to consider if you're struggling to attract, hire, or retain top talent in 2021:

• Is your onboarding sufficiently structured for day one, week one, and the first three months?
• How do you identify the right people for talent development in your organization? Do you have good tools for identifying high-potential talent at all levels?
• Are your managers engaged as Chief Retention Officers?

Contact us to learn if a comprehensive organizational talent assessment would benefit your organization.

The post It's true: people are rethinking their priorities when it comes to work appeared first on RainmakerThinking.