Major shifts have taken place over the last three years in the workplace. Remote work has been on the rise, yet some employers are beginning to call for a return to the office. It can be tough to keep every employee satisfied, yet it’s crucial that employers understand what their workers want and need to do their jobs. As we dive into a new year, here’s a look at what employees actually want in 2023 — and whether they’ll get it.
WHAT DO EMPLOYEES WANT?
Emma Guo, co-founder and CEO of Offsyte, tells us, “It’s clear from our latest workplace trends report that employees are looking for their employer to step up and make changes.”
According to Offsyte’s report, the top change employees want to see from their employers is “to improve employee wellbeing.” Guo adds, “Employees also want more transparency with their employer, team-building opportunities and more diversity, equity and inclusion work.”
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Offsyte also discovered changes employees would like to make when it comes to their employment situation, explains Guo. She notes, “The top three responses included taking on more responsibilities at their current employer, learning new skill sets outside of their scope of work and asking for a salary increase.”
Anna Stratis, physician and ICF-credentialed coach (PCC), agrees that “employees want transparency about their career progression path.” She adds that transparent managers, working together toward a common goal or purpose, and a “drama-free workplace” are also important to employees.
Dr. Stratis points out that employees don’t want additional responsibilities “without protected time, remuneration and recognition in terms of change in title.” In short, she says, “They are no longer willing to work for free.”
Workers want employers to improve the workplace, Guo says, and provide career growth opportunities.
HOW CAN EMPLOYEES GET WHAT THEY WANT?
Dr. Stratis coaches her clients to ask for what they want in “one-on-one meetings where they bring a specific agenda.” She points out that these meetings offer a chance to get advice about their career path and possibly receive some mentoring.
Guo adds, “If you’re looking for any change at your company, it’s important to speak up and let your employer know. As uncomfortable as it may seem, having these conversations may surface areas that your manager or company may not be aware of.” She advises to begin by sharing your feedback with a direct supervisor.
“It is also fair play to ask for skip-level meetings, if there is not already a culture of doing so in their organization,” Dr. Stratis advises. “It is essential for employees to get exposure and visibility with higher levels of leadership, in order to help carve their career trajectory.”
WILL EMPLOYEES GET WHAT THEY WANT?
Guo cautions that you’re not guaranteed to get what you want, but you won’t know unless you ask. If your request gets turned down, she recommends creating a plan with your supervisor so you can work toward getting what you’d like in a specific period of time. It’s a good idea to ask for regular check-ins along the way.
“If an employee exercises diplomacy, organization and confidence in their request, it should be met with success,” says Dr. Stratis. And when it comes to her clients who have requested a change but were brushed aside or met with a “no,” even after politely putting in their request, she suggests this may be a signal to look for another position. “If an employer no longer respects an employee by giving them the dignity of time,” she notes, “it might be a time for a change in relationship.”
Only you can decide what to do if your request is turned down, of course. Dr. Stratis feels that employees would be wise to update their resume and LinkedIn profile, just in case they decide to look elsewhere. “Know your current value on the market,” she says. “It will help bolster your confidence in getting what you deserve from your current employer.”
ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT IS KEY
Clearly, there are some common themes among what employees want in 2023. Of course, there’s no guarantee that employees will get what they want, even when they ask for it directly and in a professional way. However, it’s important to ask for what you want as an employee and, when appropriate, work with your manager to achieve your goal. It’s equally important for employers to listen to their employees. As Guo explains from a founder’s perspective, “At the end of the day, it’s really employees who make a company thrive.”
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