More than nine out of 10 employers recognise that their employees’ expectations around work are changing, with a far greater emphasis on wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainability, according to the latest benefits and trends survey from Aon.
Aon says it found the largest shifts focus on employer purpose as well as mental health, ESG issues and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
According to this 2022 survey, 82 per cent of employers recognise that employees expect better awareness and handling of mental health. This figures has increased significantly, as just 38 per cent of employers stated this the year before.
There are also higher expectations around employer actions when it comes to ESG and DEI issues. A total of 77 per cent of employers think employees expect better approaches to DEI, up from 70 percent last year. Six in 10 employers (60 percent) think employees expect more emphasis on environmental and sustainability policies or benefits, up from 51 percent in 2021.
The survey found that employers believe the two top employee expectations are flexible working hours and agile working, at 95 percent and 94 percent, respectively.These are largely unchanged from last year (93 percent and 95 percent, respectively).
There has, however, been a significant increase in the expectation of casual dress, up to 55 percent from 41 percent last year.
This survey also shows better alignment in what employees expect and how organisations are responding. Half of companies (50 percent) now have an agile working policy in place, up from 43 percent last year.
A total of 70 percent of employers are planning to introduce more benefits to support ESG issues and nearly a quarter (23 percent) have already done so. In addition, 72 percent stated that they plan to introduce more benefits to support DEI and 23 percent have already taken action in this space.
Aon head of advisory and specialities Colin Barnes says: “The results of this year’s survey show the rapid rise in the importance of wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainability. What an employer stands for – the purpose and brand – is incredibly important, particularly in this labour market where people are choosing their roles carefully.
“Employees and candidates are generally seeking an employer that provides purpose, offers diversity, equity and inclusion and shows genuine care for its impact on the planet, the community in which it operates and the people that it employs.
“Over the past two years, employers have been reminded about the importance of looking after their people. Initially, this was a reactive response to safeguard their employees’ wellbeing, but quickly evolved into a realisation that a healthy and resilient workforce is more engaged and more productive.”
Aon says there is an awareness from UK employers, however, that they are not meeting the needs of all generations in the workplace; 42 percent state this is the case, while 81 percent recognise that meeting the needs of future generations will mean evolving their benefits offering further.
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