Attracting & Retaining The Best Talent

The way people think about work has changed. Salary and benefits are still important, but many employees are weighing other factors just as heavily when deciding whether to join or stay with a company. They want opportunities to grow, flexibility in how they manage their time, and workplaces that support their overall well-being. For employers, adapting to these expectations is key to building a team that is motivated and committed for the long term.

Growth and Development Matter More Than Ever

More workers are looking at how their jobs will help them stay relevant in the future. In a recent survey conducted by Nexxt.com of 1,100+ job seekers, more than 40% said they are learning more about AI so they can use it at work. People are placing a high value on skill development. While pay is still a major factor, the real differentiator comes from whether employees see a future for themselves at the organization.

What this means for employers: Create clear career paths and make learning a priority. Offer professional development programs, mentorship, or training budgets. Highlight opportunities for internal mobility so employees can envision how they might advance without needing to look elsewhere.

Flexibility is About More Than Where You Work

Remote work once topped the charts as the most important thing job seekers were looking for in a job, but today employees are just as concerned with when they work. 81% of job seekers value work/life balance. For those being asked to return to the office full-time, the expectation is that the trade-off will come with higher pay, more flexible hours, or additional time off.

Takeaway for employers: Look at flexibility more broadly. Even if remote work is not an option, allowing staggered start times, compressed workweeks, or adjustable hours can provide employees with the autonomy they want.

Well-Being is Non-Negotiable

One in four job seekers are actively pursuing low-stress roles. Burnout and high-pressure environments push people to seek healthier workplaces where they can perform without sacrificing balance.

Action step for employers: Support well-being in practical ways. This might mean realistic workloads, regular manager check-ins, wellness initiatives, or providing access to mental health resources. The goal is to create an environment where employees can succeed without feeling depleted.

Clarity Builds Trust

As workplace expectations evolve, employees want honesty about the policies and trade-offs that come with them. They may be open to compromise, but only if leaders communicate clearly about the reasons behind decisions. Transparency builds trust, and trust is often what convinces someone to stay.

For employers: Keep communication open and straightforward. Make sure employees understand not only what decisions are being made, but why. Consistency and transparency go a long way in strengthening loyalty.

Attracting and retaining great talent is less about checking boxes on a benefits sheet and more about creating a place where people feel they can grow and belong. When employers focus on meaningful development, give people real control over their time, and create an environment that supports well-being, they do more than fill roles. They build a reputation as a place where the best people want to work and where they choose to stay.