We’ve all been there: the Sunday dread, the office sigh, the feeling that something’s just…off. The truth is, a job isn’t just a paycheck; it’s a huge part of our lives. But what makes a workplace truly fulfilling? It’s not just about the work itself, but the person at the helm. Working for an employer who prioritizes your well-being, offers mentorship, and invests in your professional growth is highly desirable. Unfortunately, many employees don’t experience these benefits, leading to dissatisfaction and a desire to leave their current organization.
Whether you’re content in your workplace or seeking a change, this article outlines 13 characteristics every employee wants their employer to have. Use this guide to assess if your current organization aligns with your long-term goals or if you should begin exploring new opportunities with employers who genuinely prioritize your growth.
Top 13 Characteristics Every Employee Wants Their Employer to Have
Did you know that 70% of employees experience low job satisfaction, due to bad management? (CIPD). Additionally, over 63% of employees in the U.S. report dissatisfaction with their current job roles, with primary concerns being work-life balance and job security. On the flip side, companies with satisfied employees outperform competitors by 20%. (source).
With that being said, we will look at 13 characteristics every employee wants their employer to have in order to experience increased job satisfaction to drive the required results.
1. Fairness and Equity
Every employee wants to be treated with respect and impartiality. Imagine a scenario where two employees, both with similar performance records, apply for a promotion. A company that truly values respect and impartiality would evaluate them based on their skills, experience, and potential, regardless of their gender, race, or personal connections.
For example, if both applicants were equally qualified, the company might use a blind review process or a structured interview panel to ensure a fair and unbiased decision. In contrast, a company that lacks these values might promote an employee who has a closer personal relationship with the hiring manager, even if the other candidate is more qualified. This demonstrates how respect and impartiality translate into concrete actions that employees can observe and appreciate.
Read Also: How to Implement Blind Hiring Practices for Diversity and Inclusion
2. Open and Honest Communication
A good employer provides transparent and timely information. A good employer facing company changes would openly share information, like financial reports and restructuring plans, through meetings and updates. This transparency builds trust and reduces employee anxiety. A poor employer would keep employees uninformed, creating uncertainty.
3. Characteristics Every Employee Wants Their Employer to Have —Respect for Work-Life Balance
“Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your business.” – Richard Branson. A good employer values employees’ personal time and well-being. Occupational safety and health laws (like OSHA in the US) prioritize employee physical and mental well-being in the workplace.
4. Supportive and Encouraging — Characteristics Every Employee Wants Their Employer to Have
When life or navigating a career path seems difficult for an employee, they often want their employers to be able to offer guidance, mentorship, and positive reinforcement.
5. Visionary Leadership
Another desirable trait every employee wants their employer to have is to exhibit visionary leadership—Inspires and motivates employees with a clear vision for the future. A leader with a strong vision fosters innovation. They encourage employees to think creatively and take risks, knowing that their contributions are valued and aligned with the company’s long-term goals.
6. Recognition and Appreciation
Every employee wants an organization where they are acknowledged and rewarded for their contributions. As an employer, you can say words like this often to your employees to make them feel recognized and appreciated:
- “Your dedication and hard work on the XYZ project were instrumental in achieving [positive result]. We truly appreciate your commitment.”
- “I want to personally thank you for your innovative approach to [problem/challenge]. Your solution not only improved efficiency but also inspired the team.”
- “Your positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile have not gone unnoticed. You consistently demonstrate a level of excellence that we value highly.”
- “We recognize your consistent contributions to [team/department]. Your expertise in [specific skill] has been invaluable to our success.”
- “Thank you for your outstanding performance this quarter. Your commitment to [company value/goal] is a shining example for everyone on the team.”
7. Ethical Conduct
Upholds high ethical standards and integrity. A company demonstrating high ethical standards would refuse a lucrative contract if it required compromising an employee’s safety, even with no immediate legal consequences.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability
Every employee values an employer who adjusts to changing circumstances and employee needs. When a key client’s deadline shifted unexpectedly, the company quickly reorganized project priorities and offered flexible work arrangements to accommodate employees’ personal schedules, demonstrating adaptability and consideration.
9. Clear Expectations and Goals —Characteristics Every Employee Wants Their Employer to Have
During onboarding, a new employee receives a detailed job description outlining their responsibilities, a clear set of quarterly performance goals with measurable metrics, and a schedule of regular one-on-one meetings with their manager to discuss progress and address any questions. This is another good characteristic of an employer-providing clear direction and performance expectations.
10. Professional Development Opportunities
Invests in employees’ growth and learning. Check out these 5 five concrete ways an employer can invest in employees’ growth and learning:
- Offer Tuition Reimbursement or Stipends: Provide financial assistance for employees to pursue formal education, certifications, or relevant courses, demonstrating a commitment to their long-term development.
- Create Internal Training Programs and Workshops: Develop in-house training sessions led by experienced employees or external experts, focusing on both technical skills and soft skills like leadership, communication, and project management.
- Provide Access to Online Learning Platforms: Subscribe to platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy, granting employees access to a wide range of courses and resources they can learn from at their own pace.
- Implement Mentorship and Coaching Programs: Pair employees with experienced mentors or coaches, either internally or externally, to provide guidance, support, and personalized development plans.
- Encourage Participation in Conferences and Industry Events: Sponsor employees to attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events, allowing them to expand their knowledge, connect with peers, and stay updated on industry trends.
11. Constructive Feedback
Offers helpful and actionable feedback for improvement. According to recent research, Employees who receive feedback weekly are 43% more engaged. To give a point of comparison, employees who receive feedback less than once a week are only engaged by up to only 18%. This goes on to further highlight the importance of feedback to an employee.
12. Accessibility and Approachability
Is available to listen to employee concerns and ideas. Here’s how to be available to listen to employee concerns, concisely:
- Open Channels: Schedule 1-on-1s, use suggestion boxes, and hold open team forums.
- Active Listening: Give full attention, avoid interrupting, and show empathy.
- Safe Space: Ensure confidentiality, be non-judgmental, and follow through on concerns.
- Acknowledge: Thank employees for sharing, giving feedback, and recognizing contributions.
- Lead by Example: Be accessible, solicit feedback, and show you’re open to ideas.
Tips on How You Can Tell if an Employer is Good During an Interview
The interview process serves as an integral component of recruitment. It is during this phase that candidates can evaluate the prospective employer. Rather than relying on post-employment experiences, use the interview to ascertain the organization’s suitability. The following tips will guide you in assessing an employer’s quality during the interview.
- Respectful and Professional: Are they punctual, attentive, and respectful of your time? Do they maintain eye contact and listen actively?
- Clear and Transparent: Do they provide clear and honest answers to your questions? Are they open about the company’s culture, challenges, and expectations?
- Enthusiastic and Engaging: Do they seem genuinely excited about their work and the company? Do they show enthusiasm about the role and your potential contributions?
- Two-Way Conversation: Is it a genuine conversation, or are they just reciting a script? A good employer will engage in a dialogue, not just a monologue.
- Check websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn for employee reviews and insights.
- Review the company’s website and social media presence to learn more about its values, mission, and culture.
- Office Atmosphere: If it’s an in-person interview, observe the office environment. Does it seem positive and collaborative, or tense and stressful?
- Employee Interactions: Observe how employees interact with each other. Do they seem happy and engaged?
- Cleanliness and Organization: A well-maintained workspace can reflect a company’s attention to detail and professionalism.
Conclusion on 13 Desirable Characteristics Every Employee Wants Their Employer to Have
In conclusion, working for an employer who prioritizes your well-being, offers mentorship, and invests in your professional growth is highly desirable. Research says that companies with satisfied employees outperform competitors by 20%. Hence, we explored 13 characteristics every employee wants their employer to have in order to experience increased job satisfaction to drive the required results.
So, whether you’re content in your workplace or seeking a change, you can use this guide to assess if your current organization aligns with your long-term goals or if you should begin exploring new opportunities with employers who genuinely prioritize your growth. Good luck!
Do you need professional career coaching? If yes, feel free to contact us right away (+234 813 823 5629 or fasthireng@gmail.com) for a free consultation on how we can help you achieve your dream career goal. See Top 4 Career Coaches.
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