A recent survey conducted by ADP, titled People at Work 2023, has found that employees desire higher pay, more flexibility, and a caring workplace. These survey findings offer insight into what workers are looking for in their employment experience in the coming years. ADP surveyed over 22,000 employees and employers in 26 countries worldwide, producing a comprehensive report on the future of work.
Key findings
Before delving deeper into the specifics of the survey’s findings, it is essential to highlight the key takeaways. According to ADP, its People at Work 2023 survey results indicate that:
– The top three employee demands are higher pay, more flexibility, and support from employers.
– Over 40% of employees feel they are underpaid.
– Roughly 47% believe their work is suffering due to their mental health.
– Hybrid work schedules are a significant factor in employee satisfaction.
– There is a strong focus on career progression worldwide.
– The need for flexibility has stabilized in the United States.
– A caring workforce is top of mind for many employees.
– Workforce expectations are shifting, with gig workers more likely to come and go than before.
– Companies may need to get creative to address employee pay expectations.
Employee pay and flexibility
One of the most significant takeaways from the ADP survey is the importance of employee pay and flexibility. The survey found that workers desire higher pay and more flexibility in their work-life balance. Over 40% of respondents feel that they are underpaid, which can cause discontent and a lack of motivation in the workplace.
Additionally, many employees want more flexibility in their schedules, allowing them to balance work with personal responsibilities and interests. The need for better work-life integration is crucial for many employees, and companies that fail to provide this may lose top talent. Employers must understand and address these issues to foster a healthy and content workforce.
Mental Health and Work Performance
The ADP survey also revealed concerning statistics regarding employee mental health. Over 47% of respondents feel that their mental health is negatively impacting their work. This connection between employee mental health and work performance highlights the importance of employers prioritizing employee well-being.
Companies must not overlook mental health and promote a healthy work-life balance. Offering mental health resources, creating a stress-free workplace, and encouraging employees to take breaks and prioritize their mental health can result in a more productive and satisfied workforce.
Hybrid Work Schedules
The happiest employees in the survey were those with access to a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid work schedules allow employees to work both remotely and in the office, offering the benefits of both environments. This schedule offers employees the flexibility they crave while also providing them with the opportunity to interact with colleagues in person.
However, implementing hybrid schedules can prove challenging for companies. Employers must ensure that they have the technology for remote work, foster a culture of collaboration that works for both in-person and remote employees, and ensure that all employees receive the same opportunities, regardless of their location.
Career progression
The ADP survey found that career progression is a driving factor for many global workers. Employers must provide their employees with opportunities for career growth to retain their top talent and foster a satisfied workforce. Companies that fail to provide opportunities for career advancement may lose their best employees to competitors.
Employers can support employee career development by offering training programs, creating career paths, and promoting from within. Career progression can result in more satisfied employees, a more skilled workforce, and improved retention rates.
Flexibility as a Stable Need in the US Workforce
The survey found that the need for flexibility has stabilized in the United States and is now considered a given. This trend highlights the importance of understanding that employers must provide flexibility to retain top talent. Offering flexibility can improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention.
Caring Workforce
The survey found that a caring workforce is top of mind for many employees. Employers who prioritize their employees are more likely to attract and retain top talent. Companies can create a caring workplace by promoting mental health and well-being, work-life balance, and supporting employees during difficult times.
Fluctuating workforce expectations
The ADP survey found that workforce expectations are shifting. With more workers now likely to come and go than before, employers must adapt to these changes to retain their top talent. Companies must be more flexible with their employees and offer them unique opportunities for growth.
Creative solutions for managing pay expectations
The survey also found that employee pay expectations are high, and employers may need to get creative to meet them. Creative solutions may include offering employee bonuses or stock options, and providing employees with more significant control over their pay and benefits.
The ADP survey highlights the critical factors that employees are looking for in their employment experience. Employers must address employee pay, offer flexibility in their schedules, promote mental health and well-being, and provide opportunities for career progression to retain their top talent and create a satisfied workforce. By listening to their employees and implementing their feedback, companies can evolve and learn from their workforce, improving their overall success.
