How these Forward-Thinking Companies are Attracting Better Candidates Than Ever Before
Plaid has begun to master a strategic shift in its recruitment ethos to outpace competitors and get the attention of top-tier talent. By discarding the archaic workaholic paradigm and embracing a culture prioritizing employee well-being, flexibility, and a robust company culture, Plaid has achieved an astounding 50% increase in job applications over the past two years.
In an era where the world of work has undergone seismic shifts, traditional corporate cultures hinged on overdrive and personal sacrifice are meeting their reckoning. Increasingly, companies are recognizing that a workaholic culture breeds nothing more than performative overwork, burnout, and lackluster outcomes. It's time to recalibrate our value systems.
Jen Fisher, Deloitte's Chief Well-being Officer, emphatically highlighted this in Deloitte's 2022 Global Talent Trends report. She declared that praising those who burn the midnight oil is not just damaging to individual wellness but also detrimental to organizational productivity. Fortunately, companies are beginning to heed this wisdom and are observing the beneficial ripple effects. New data reveals that the talent market is resonating with this shift, with job seekers gravitating toward employers who prioritize well-being, flexibility, and a positive company culture.
A LinkedIn study reveals a striking uptick in engagement for job posts mentioning these terms. Compared to two years ago, such listings now attract nearly three times (+175%) more views and over twice (+139%) as many applications. While there has been a general increase in views and applications due to macroeconomic changes, these well-being-centric posts have outpaced the norm. Specifically, they have experienced a 46% and 49% greater growth in views and applications, respectively, compared to other posts. This impressive uptick signifies a clear shift in candidate priorities, indicating that companies who truly prioritize these values in their culture stand to gain a competitive edge in the talent market. But authenticity is key.
Companies should not fall into the trap of tokenism by tossing buzzwords like 'well-being' and 'flexibility' into job posts if their culture does not genuinely reflect these values. Candidates today are savvy and discerning, and inauthenticity can be spotted a mile away.
However, for companies who can genuinely demonstrate these attributes, showcasing their commitment to well-being, flexibility, and culture should be a strategic move. The ability to attract and retain top talent hinges significantly on an employer's brand. Companies can leverage their commitment to these values by incorporating them into their LinkedIn Company Page or as key features in their job descriptions.
The present-day talent market, now more than ever, emphasizes the importance of company culture. As such, companies can no longer afford to ignore the critical role of employee well-being and work-life balance. By prioritizing these facets, companies stand to not only enrich their corporate cultures but also gain an enviable advantage in the increasingly competitive talent market. As this shift towards a healthier work-life balance continues to gain momentum, it seems apparent that the organizations at the forefront will also be the ones attracting the best talent.