What Employees Want

A “must read” for every leader

In the blockbuster movie, What Women Want, Mel Gibson discovers he can hear women’s thoughts, especially at work. Interestingly enough, the many leaders I speak with often ask me, “What is it that employees want?” While we can’t hear our employees’ thoughts like Mel Gibson, this article will provide the top three things employees want from their employers and leaders. Armed with this knowledge, leaders will be better prepared to attract and retain the best talent for their company. Here are the top three:

1. A healthy work-life balance. The makeup of the workforce continues to change, from baby boomers and Generation X representing much of the workforce, to the Gen Z and Millennial employees. With Gen Z and Millennial employees of today, “burning the midnight oil” to get ahead at work is no longer the top focus: The focus is on having a work-life balance — a “work hard” and “play hard” approach to work life. A recent workplace study by Hubstaff reports that 72% of employees say work-life balance is essential to their job satisfaction. However, 26% of employees currently perform work outside of the core business hours. This is a clear indicator leaders need to step in to help foster a company culture that makes work-life balance a top priority. To help employees strike a healthy work-life balance, companies can consider adopting the following:
   • Flexible work arrangements
   • Remote work options
   • Generous time-off policies 
   • Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
   • Workplace policies on after-hours work communications and work duties 
2. A positive work culture. Renowned management consultant Peter Drucker said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” A company can have the greatest product or service, but a strong company culture trumps them both. A positive company culture encourages employees to take risks without fear of being penalized for making mistakes. A positive work culture motivates employees to act as ambassadors for the company’s brand and mission. Building a positive work culture must start at the very top of the organization. Leaders who demonstrate respect, integrity and transparency in everything they do will set the right tone toward building a positive work culture. Studies have shown a positive work culture increases job satisfaction levels and employee retention, and significantly enhances the ability to recruit top talent.

With Gen Z and Millennial employees of today, “burning the midnight oil” to get ahead at work is no longer the top focus.

3. More flexibility and autonomy. No one likes working for a micromanager. Yet, there are leaders within organizations who still micromanage their employees. Here are several common traits of micromanagers: 
   • Boss obsessed instead of customer obsessed
   • Employees are afraid to share their opinions.
   • Quick turnover of talent experts
   • Every decision must be approved by the manager.
   • Projects bottleneck due to excessive meetings and check-ins.

The opposite of a micromanager is a coach. Coaches empower employees to ask questions, take responsibility and give employees the autonomy to make decisions. If you are a micromanager, challenge yourself to not get involved with every decision. Instead, communicate to your team the expected outcomes you are looking for and let the team work to deliver on your expectations. Doing this will help you develop your people. You will be more respected as a leader, and you will lead through influence instead of from a position of power.  

This article provided the top three things employees are looking for from their employers and managers. There are other important things employees are looking for, including an inclusive work environment, opportunities for advancement, fair pay practices and safe working conditions. Leaders need to diligently monitor every facet of the business to ensure employees have a healthy work-life balance, work in a positive work culture and have leaders who allow employees to make key business decisions. This is what employees want. This is what we all want: Respect, appreciation and the freedom to be the best version of ourselves.