I didn’t hire a research team. I just googled “what do professionals want in company culture in 2023,” “current company culture wish list,” “what employees are looking for in a work environment,” and several other variations on that theme. Then I scoured the articles and lists Google offered up as evidence of employees’ current priorities. I compiled a list of my own from the ones I’d read, marking the items with an asterisk for each time it appeared in one of the lists spawned by my Google search.
Eventually, a handful of many-asterisked priorities emerged as the top five, outranking even “recognition and appreciation.”
Are you curious? Here they are–with a bit of commentary, of course:
#1 – Work-Life Balance
Gone are the days when burnout was worn as a badge of honor. Today, employees place a high premium on work-life balance and want to be part of a company that understands the importance of personal time, family, and overall well-being. Employees want flexible work hours and remote/hybrid work options. And, oh yes, paid time off.
#2 – Workplace Wellness
Employees want employers to step up their game to show they understand the significance of employee well-being. They want to work for companies that provide mental health support, counseling services, stress management workshops, mindfulness programs, and fitness and health initiatives. Employees know their contribution to the company is directly related to their personal well-being.
#3 – Collaborative Environment
Today’s professionals want to work in an environment that fosters collaboration, encourages open communication, and values the contributions of each team member. Because they know collaboration promotes creativity, problem-solving, and a shared sense of purpose, employees want colleagues who support and uplift one another, creating a dynamic synergy that propels the company forward.
#4 – Inclusivity and Diversity
The power of diversity in the workplace cannot be overstated. Employees want to be part of an environment where they feel respected, valued, and included irrespective of their background or identity. They believe this is the kind of setting where everyone can thrive, where creativity flourishes, and where individuals with a wide range of talents, perspectives, and ideas want to be.
#5 – Career Growth and Development
Today’s professionals value continuous growth and learning opportunities. They seek companies that invest in their potential, offering training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. They know their growth is impacted by their managers, so they also want managers who are trained to lead remote/hybrid teams.
I’ll admit this isn’t scientific research, but I believe these top five offer something hopeful. Perhaps the difficulties of the past few years have sown in us something we’d do well to reap. Maybe we’ve learned that taking care of ourselves is better than burning ourselves out. Maybe we’ve figured out that working together offers more than stepping on others to climb to the top. Maybe we’ve learned the value of collaboration in our competitive society. And just maybe we’ve learned that embracing the talents and perspectives of everyone is a better way forward.
Do you see your organization reflected in these top five? We can help you evaluate your company’s culture and design a plan to make it an organization where today’s professionals want to be.
