A study has found that 60 percent of global employees plan to look for a new job in the next 12 months.
For employers looking to retain and/or attract them, the same study identified the top five employee expectations.
The top desire among employees was for employers to support employee wellbeing. Almost half of the 9,000 employees (49 percent) surveyed for Aon’s Employee sentiment study said they wanted this from an employer of choice.
More than two-fifths (45 percent) of respondents said employers should help employees save for retirement and/or long term needs, while 37 percent of respondents wanted employers to support women’s health, and a further 37 percent said employers should provide financial education. Workplace support for childcare was another top five expectation with 36 percent of employees looking for this.
Culture is also important for employers looking to retain and/or attract talent. The study found that while 47 percent of employees said above average pay and meaningful benefits were the top reason they picked an employer, the findings also revealed that 21 percent of employees want a fun workplace, while 20 percent want an employer whose values align with their own. Aon said: “Money talks in the talent war, but benefits and culture create distinction.”
The findings suggest that HR needs to think beyond benefits to how their employee value proposition (EVP) shapes pay, benefits and company culture.
Personalised benefits remain crucial too, however, there is still a lack of flexibility and personalisation in benefits. This has created a divide between what employees want and what companies provide, the study found. These gaps are especially wide when you look at differences across generations, income levels, career stages, and household types.
From hybrid and flexible work, to career growth and retirement savings, the study showed that employees want choice. Close to three-quarters (72 percent) of employees said personalised benefits are important, but only 41 percent have access to them.
Career growth and training are particularly pertinent as workforces need to adapt to greater AI use. The technology is already transforming businesses, from automating tasks to driving innovation. Employees need to learn how to work alongside AI and add value in new ways. But the study found that while business leaders recognise the urgency of upskilling for an AI-powered future, employees are less engaged.
Over a fifth (22 percent) of founders and C-suite executives believe that AI will significantly replace jobs in their sector, but only 11 percent of entry-level employees believe the same. Entry-level employees are 64 percent more likely to be unsure of the impact AI will have on their roles and 31 percent less likely to think that it will create new opportunities that require new skills in their field.
Further results showed that 31 percent of founders and C-suite executives believe AI will require new skills, but only 17 percent of entry-level employees agree.
“This divergence suggests a significant disconnect between the direction and needs of the business and the readiness of the workforce to prepare for change,” the report said.
Many employees know training exists—but they need clearer guidance on where things are headed and how AI will impact their roles. Without this, it’s harder to stay motivated and develop the right skills.
