5 Things Your Employees Want in 2024

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The needs, wants and preferences of employees are constantly evolving. From new generations entering the workforce to new technologies changing how the world operates. There are so many different factors that influence and impact the needs and wants of employees across the globe.

When we think of what employees want, most people will say pay and whilst it’s impossible to deny that pay is a huge factor for employees, several other things need to be considered.

When organisations have a better understanding of the needs and wants of their employees, they can greatly increase retention rates whilst also attracting top talent to their organisation. When your employees feel more satisfied with their roles they feel happier and perform better.

Keeping up with the ever-changing demands of the workplace is hard, which is why we’re here to help. In this article, we share the top 5 things we think employees want from the workplace in 2024.

5 Things Employees Want at Work

1. Flexible Working

Since 2020, we’ve seen a huge increase in the demand for flexible working and rightly so. Frankly, in 2024 with the way the world has evolved, there's simply no excuse for organisations to not offer flexibility to their employees. From working from home to adjusted arrival and departure times, flexibility has become a top priority for many, if not all employees. Being able to accommodate the diverse needs of your workforce is something that will not only gain you the respect of your employees but also greatly improve productivity and engagement rates. Not all types of flexible working strategies fit the needs of each organisation, which is why it’s essential to put together strategies that work for each case.

2. Mentoring Programmes

Your employees want mentoring programmes at work. The statistics speak for themselves with 97% of individuals with a mentor feeling they are impactful and 86% of professionals stating that having access to mentoring is a factor in them staying with an organisation. Mentoring isn’t just about building a relationship with someone, although that’s highly beneficial, it’s about seeing growth and becoming the best version of yourself. Your employees are looking for learning and development opportunities in the workplace and a great way to provide learning opportunities is through the use of mentoring. By offering mentoring programmes to your employees, you’re showcasing that you truly value their development and progression and want them to learn new things.

3. Feedback

Feedback is essential for all areas of growth. Whether in your personal or professional life, it’s fair to assume that feedback often holds the key to ultimate growth. With more people now recognising the power that feedback holds, more people are demanding it, including your employees. With a massive 96% of employees stating that regular feedback is a good thing and 83% of employees saying they appreciate all kinds of feedback, there's no denying that feedback is a priority for employees we will see continue to grow each year. When you regularly provide your employees with thoughtful and constructive feedback, you're providing them with the tools they need to go forward and reach new potentials.

4. Appreciation and Recognition

Feeling appreciated and recognised for the work they do, isn’t even a want of your employees but a need. The better your employees feel about what they do, the more they want to do it well. Appreciation and recognition come second nature for good organisations because they recognise that when employees feel seen and valued, they are happier in their jobs. With 90% of HR professionals believing that recognition and rewards can drive business results and 91% stating that it directly influences employee retention, organisations can no longer not prioritise appreciating and rewarding their employees. From a simple “thank you” to offering financial incentives, there are many ways to reward, recognise and appreciate your employees for the work they do.

5. Trust and Respect

If you don’t trust and respect your employees, then the likelihood is that your employees are probably already thinking about leaving your organisation. By micromanaging employees and keeping secrets, your employees will not only feel demotivated to work but also feel disrespected at work. Your employees are adults and deserve to be treated as such. By creating a working environment where people can be as honest and open, you create a far happier workplace. Employees spend a large amount of their time at work and rightfully want to not only enjoy their time there but also feel appreciated, trusted and respected for the work they do.

Final Thoughts

Make this year the one that you put your employees first. When you’re able to understand the needs, wants and preferences of the people who work in your organisation, you’re able to find the best strategies to give them what they want and need.

Remember, these are the things that we think employees want in 2024 and you should research to understand exactly what your employees are looking for.