When it comes to employee happiness, flexibility and work-life balance are the most important factors to Australians.
That’s according to the latest Randstad World of Work report, which also found that Australian workers are the most likely to stay with their existing employer. Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) plan to remain in their current role this year.
This figure is the highest in the Asia Pacific region. For example, just 35 per cent of workers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia plan to stick with their current role for the next 12 months.
Also notable, some 72 per cent of employees said they would recommend their workplace to a friend. Steve Shepherd, Group Director of recruitment and HR solutions at Randstad, commented that the results show improving conditions are making workers more confident that their employers will work towards meeting their career expectations this year.
Salary is a sharp point of difference for many employees, yet the survey results indicated that an increase in remuneration is no longer the most important factor keeping Australians satisfied in their job.
Over half (55 per cent) nominated a good work-life balance as a leading factor linking them to their current role, while flexible working options (44 per cent) and a strong opportunity for career growth (37 per cent) were the other primary reasons workers are happy in their jobs.
A concurrent report released by recruitment agency Clarius also offered insights for employers. More than 1,000 white-collar professionals voted good communication at the top of the list when it came to what they want in a boss.
While communication was number one, bosses aren’t communicating what employees want to hear. Specifically, almost 70 per cent reported they’re not getting the information and guidance necessary to do a good job.
Clarius Group CEO, Kym Quick, said the results reveal a ‘disconnect’ in the staff-management communications dynamic.
“It’s great that many Australians think their bosses have good communication skills, but we need to move the conversation to matters that are important in the workplace and to productivity,” she said.
Employees want leaders with good communication skills because they want clear direction on what their roles and responsibilities are to achieve work objectives and be productive.
“People want to be informed about new developments within their workplace, specifically changes that will affect them. This gives them certainty and comfort about their position and how they fit into the big picture,” Quick added.