Trust from the boss outweighs all other factors for employee happiness

While some organisations have welcomed remote working with open arms, other employers have struggled to trust their employees to work autonomously with some even ramping up on surveillance to track exactly what their workforce is doing. This may however be problematic for organisations looking to attract and retain talent as, according to a recent report from UK-based tech-for-good developer, Culture Shift, almost all (93 percent) of Britain’s workforce say having an employer that trusts them is important for their overall happiness at work. 

A further 83 percent also admit autonomy is essential, while 86 percent say working at a company with a strong ethical background is key, signalling some employers may need to rethink their strategies as they plan for the future.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”If companies want to attract the best in the business, then they need to adapt”[/perfectpullquote]

The same report also claims that remote working opportunities are imperative for the majority (81 percent) of employees across the UK, with more than half (57 percent) saying they would like to remain working from home, 45 percent dreading going back to the workplace and 47 percent worrying they won’t be able to adjust to going back. That said, 27 percent have felt imposter syndrome (self-doubt) more so while working from home.

“If companies want to attract the best in the business, then they need to adapt and take note of what employees are really looking for in a workplace. The pandemic has resulted in more calls for flexible working, and different ways of approaching communication and collaboration. This has also led employees to reflect on what’s most important to them – and trust ranks higher than all other factors.

“As businesses continue navigating the pandemic and conversations around the future of workplace culture take precedence, employees are hoping everything from flexibility to trust, autonomy, a competitive salary and strong ethics will be at the top of the agenda,” comments Gemma McCall, CEO, Culture Shift.

Findings:

•  91 percent confirm good communication from their employer is important to them
•  91 percent say a competitive salary is integral
•  90 percent say flexibility is an important factor to their overall happiness at work
•  88 percent say work-life balance and the ability to plan work around family/childcare is important
•  85 percent say progression opportunities are key
•  81 percent confirm working at a company with a good CSR scheme is essential
•  64 percent say free perks, such as paid for breakfast, yoga classes and gym memberships are important
•  91 percent of employees say that working at a company with a good reputation for treating employees fairly is integral to their happiness at work
•  79 percent say working somewhere with a diverse workforce is important
•  Almost two-thirds (64 percent) would like to return to the workplace with flexitime, while 69 percent would like to do a mix of working from the workplace and home

Read the full report here.

Image by Vicki Nunn