The Evolving Expectations of Today's Workforce

Leaders who prioritize employee care and development will thrive in the evolving workplace.

### The Evolving Landscape of Work: Employee Expectations and Engagement
* 💼 For many years, labor was simply exchanged for financial compensation, but the pandemic and changing workforce dynamics have **transformed this relationship**.
* 🌍 Employers are now challenged to **retain a satisfied and productive workforce**, as employees increasingly expect **more than just a paycheck**.
* 📊 A 2022 Edelman survey highlighted that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, prioritize **alignment of values with their employers**, showing a **significant shift in employee expectations**.
* 🔄 Companies must adapt to a five-generation workforce, where employees seek **meaningful connections and opportunities for upskilling** to enhance their career prospects.
* 🤝 Organizations like LinkedIn are fostering community engagement through volunteer initiatives, which not only **benefit the community** but also **enhance employee skills and satisfaction**.
* 📈 Data-driven approaches, such as Microsoft's employee listening system, are essential for **understanding employee sentiment** and **improving workplace dynamics**.
* 💡 Ultimately, businesses that invest in their employees' development and well-being are likely to foster **loyalty and retain talent**, as the future of work hinges on treating staff with the **same respect as customers**.

How to retain your workforce | FT Working It

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The traditional exchange of labor for financial reward is shifting, driven by the pandemic, extending retirement ages, and a job-hopping generation.

Employers are now prioritizing employee satisfaction and engagement, as unhappy workers become more vocal about their concerns.

The role of business in employees' lives is expanding, blurring the lines between work and home, and leading to higher expectations for employers to provide support in various areas, including healthcare and well-being.

The employee value proposition is shifting from a paternalistic approach to a more equal contractual relationship between employers and employees.

Compensation and benefits remain important, but there is a rising trend of belief-driven employees who choose employers based on aligned values.

The youngest workforce cohort, being digital natives, has a different perspective on work, seeking quicker results and meaningful engagement, while also influencing work-life boundaries for their peers.

The Importance of Community and Upskilling in the Workplace

The youngest generation is motivated by a desire for community and connection, especially after the isolation of Covid.

LinkedIn's headquarters offers spaces for employees to volunteer and host events, while also providing training for job seekers.

The emerging five-generation workforce presents challenges and opportunities, with volunteer engagement initiatives helping to bridge the gap and foster skill development for both employees and job seekers.

The Changing Relationship Between Employees and Employers

Younger people are moving jobs more frequently and are now considering portfolio and freelance careers for greater control over their financial existence.

Companies that invest in upskilling employees may foster internal mobility, reducing the need for staff to leave for career growth.

Collecting accurate sentiment data from employees and supplementing engagement surveys with publicly available data can help employers understand and respond to employee needs and expectations.

Microsoft's Employee Listening System and AI Impact

Microsoft has a robust employee listening system that combines active and ambient listening to understand employee collaboration and work patterns.

The data is stored in the Viva Glint platform, using AI to interpret findings and discern themes in sentiment data.

The focus has shifted from pay to career experiences as the primary driver of employee thriving, with personalized conversations between managers and employees being crucial for career development.

The Importance of Understanding and Supporting Employees

Companies are increasingly using data to understand and motivate their staff, with Microsoft demonstrating success in both productivity and retention.

Investing in employee needs and skill development is crucial for building trust and loyalty, yet few companies are doing it effectively.

The future of work will favor leaders who treat their employees with the same care and respect as their customers.