Examining the employer values that employees truly value

With all the upheaval the workforce has seen in the last few years, it’s no wonder employers and employees alike are doing some soul searching. Employees are wondering what their life’s work should be and how to balance work, family, and other pursuits. Employers—having seen an exodus of many workers—are examining their societal responsibilities and what they need to do to attract and retain talent. In particular, it’s the youngest members of the workforce who are looking at where employers stand on diversity, equity, and various social issues as well as other factors affecting mental health. And it’s those young workers who are letting their employers know the company values they truly value.

What do employees want?

Researchers are finding an increasing focus on mental health and work-life balance. In May 2022, Indeed, the employment website, and singer Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation teamed up to produce a report called Kindness in the Workplace: Understanding Mental Health Resource Availability and Preferences for Your Workers.

A letter introducing the report says researchers found that 79% of young people believe it’s important to work in a place that prioritizes mental health, and 74% of young people say it’s important to work in a place that feels like a kind community. The researchers found that just six in 10 young workers said they work in a kind community.