Gone are the days of “jobs that just pay the bills.” Aren’t all jobs there to pay the bills? Yes, technically, that is their most important function, but nowadays they mean so much more than just a paycheck. They are careers. They give our lives purpose. They are about pursuing a passion.
For many, they are critical to self-identity and self-worth. Not that you can’t achieve those things without your job, but there are those who measure their value by it. Bottom line? Careers are important to our lives and our happiness!
That’s why we maintain that benefits are more than a “Package.”
We heard someone say recently, “Overall I really like my job. We had a manager that nobody could stand and most of my co-workers quit. I was actively looking for a new job. Then, one day my manager was let go. The environment changed immediately. It got me thinking that I didn’t really want a new job, I wanted a new manager.” When we pressed her about going somewhere else with more pay she said, “Actually I am happy with my pay. Although it would really be helpful for my family if I could work from home two days a week.” We encouraged her to ask for it. Within days her request was granted. And she quit looking for another job.
No longer are employees looking for a simple benefits package, they need the autonomy, direction, and opportunities that comes with that 401K plan. They want a job that makes life a little better. So much so that they will leave dead-end jobs with amazing pay and great insurance in exchange for a growing career at a small company on the rise with lower pay and mediocre insurance. Why? Because the second job allows the person to shape their position however they want it to be. The second job shows potential and it shows promise.
Let’s dive into an example of what a future team member might want to see on a job posting…
Standard Benefits
These are the items that must be check-marked to catch the interest of a potential employee. We find that employees are examining the nuances in each of these questions, calculating their perceived value over the long-haul.
- What is the salary range? Is it commensurate with others in the same field?
- What is the vacation time? How is vacation time calculated? Are there any restrictions?
- Is there a 401K? Any percentage matching?
- What kind of insurance is available: health, dental, vision, life? What are the add-ons? What does my employer cover and how much do I have to cover?
A Little Extra
Many job postings don’t end their benefits package with the standard holidays and insurance spiel. Instead, they take time to show advantages of working at their company: the environment (informal, fun, creative, work spaces, quiet spaces, good camaraderie, etc.), expectation of hours to work, weekend freedom, investment in training, mentoring opportunities, quality of the management and managers (direct reports), ability to work from a home, dress code (laid back?), opportunity for flexible hours, flexible office locations, benefits of working in a certain section of the city, etc.
Sealing the Deal
These are the items that will make a job seeker eager to submit their resume. They are the icing on the cake and the cherry on top. It’s hard for companies to promise this level of benefits, which is why it must be conveyed through a lot of different ways. It could be in the culture of the company, or it could be in the description of the job responsibilities. However, you choose to display this information, it needs to have the following:
- Opportunity
- Responsibility
- Autonomy
- Career Trajectory
- Growth
Bottom line, employees want to be inspired. Practically, it means being valued for their skills and be invested in both personally and professionally.
Stay in tune for the next blog in the Attracting the Perfect Team series where we explore questions that an organization can pose to see if they’re attractive to a potential team member.
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