When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, workers worldwide were forced to learn how to stay productive while simultaneously navigating the fear of an unknown disease. Many had to manage working from home, strange schedules, quarantines, and downsizing.
Additionally, people were learning to trust each other to make the right choices in an environment that was constantly changing and adapting to new information. And some of the things we learned during that experience have stuck with us. The relationship between employers and employees has changed. This means that your company needs to adapt too—here’s how.
Changes In Workplace Expectations
Employers and employees have a relationship called a social contract, which is essentially an agreement of what each party expects from the other. The usual terms of this contract naturally and slowly change over time, but the pandemic caused a significant, rapid shift.
For one thing, workers have become more critical to labor operations, finding themselves in much higher demand. With this being the case, they are in a position to ask for the things they want and see those requests met. With all the job openings, if an employee doesn’t like their place of work, they can simply go somewhere else that they do like.
Businesses That Have Adapted Well
Because of this, employees are no longer looking simply at the pay for a position. They are also considering the benefits offered, the office structure, company values, and more. Businesses that have adapted quickly and seen success are those that have carefully reviewed the benefits they offer in order to align with what employees are seeking.
However, it can be hard to parse what your employees want, especially from an insider’s perspective. After all, the benefits and workplace characteristics that employees ask for are many and widely varied. Still, a handful of prominent options are worth particular mention, including:
- Higher wages
- More flexible schedules
- Help with childcare
- Good healthcare
- Retirement programs
- Clear career paths
- Empathetic leadership
- Inclusive office culture
How An HR Consultant Can Help: Advertising And Public Image
With all of this rapid change going on, it can be hard to adapt and keep your company culture both competitive and fulfilling for employees. Luckily, an HR consultant can help you navigate these new circumstances and help your business become the best it can be. Even if you already have a talented in-house HR employee, consider seeking some guidance from an unbiased third party who can view your company and offer suggestions from a consultant’s perspective.
One thing this type of HR consultant can do for you is run your PR. In order to attract the best talent, your business must now clearly advertise its values and benefits in order to adapt to the new standards of the market. Stating up front what sort of relationship employers and employees have with one another at your company helps prospective candidates know if they want to work for you.
It is important that the things you promote and the way you promote them are better than your competition in this worker-oriented job market. An HR consultant is trained in these tactics and can help you stand out.
Crafting An Appealing Benefits Package
In addition to any adjustments to your public image, an HR consultant can also help you determine the most desirable benefits. It can be hard to balance the desires of your employees with wise financial management, and harder still to decide which of those benefits is a worthwhile investment. Which ones will workers actually appreciate? Which ones don’t make a big enough difference in employees’ lives or work efficiency to justify the cost?
An HR consultant can look around and see which benefits are most popular—not only in your particular industry but within your specific workplace as well. They can figure out which types of benefits employees want and which ones of those will work best for you. Since workers have a bigger say in the current corporate culture, knowing just what to do to attract and retain them is vital for you as a business.
The current workplace expectation is that employees are worth more than ever, and in order to secure them in your business, you must offer worthwhile compensation. Adapting to this shift in mindset could be as simple as retooling the benefits you offer and the way you advertise.
Trust the Consultants To Help You Adapt To Workplace Changes Quickly
Whether your current HR team needs some unbiased feedback or you need a professional to step in and help you make the right choices, be sure to trust the consultants. The pros at eBen would be happy to serve as your HR consultants to keep your company agile in the age of constantly shifting dynamics. Reach out to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
