By Suzanne Hunt, MPH, CWP, CHC

A recent Gallup survey took a closer look at what employees want following a global pandemic and the great resignation or ‘renegotiation’.

The Top 6 Things Employees Want in Their Next Job:

1. A significant increase in income or benefits (64% said “very important”)

2. Greater work-life balance and better personal wellbeing (61%)

3. The ability to do what they do best (58%)

4. Greater stability and job security (53%)

5. COVID-19 vaccination policies that align with my beliefs (43%)

6. The organization is diverse and inclusive of all types of people (42%)

 

Of the six factors that make up the baseline for job seeker expectations, increase in income or benefits and greater work-life balance and better personal wellbeing topped the list. These two items in particular have risen to the top priorities of professionals since 2015. The third factor ability to do what they do best outlined the ability for professionals to have the autonomy to work directly in their strengths within their job duties and responsibilities. While demand for these benefits and an increase in personal freedoms through remote work are on the rise, there’s an interesting connection between the idea of enhanced personal wellbeing and these top three factors. It’s a no-brainer that a sense of purpose and knowledge within daily work responsibilities can lead to enjoyment, fulfillment, purpose, and therefore an enhanced sense of personal wellbeing. Finally, developing organizational strategies that creating a culture of stability, safety, and belonging is a must. It’s clear that if employers cultivate a strong foundation for high-level, multicultural, multidimensional wellness, the work environment can begin to truly support these demands during such a pivotal time.

As wellness practitioners and employers there are a few key takeaways from the connections between these factors. First, regardless of whether work is in-person, hybrid, or fully remote, how are components of employees’ personal wellness cared for, considered, and cultivated? With burnout and stress on the rise, what opportunities are available to mitigate the continuation of these widespread issues? This new work era provides opportunity for growth and innovation in the wellness and work landscape. However, the demand for better well-being can’t be met without competent, skilled wellness professionals.

Staying on top of new trends, evidence-informed practices, and competencies through continuing education and training, will continue to be imperative for wellness professionals as this shift in work culture continues. The Wellness Promotion Competency Model gives us a roadmap on how to cultivate high level, multicultural, multidimensional wellness for professionals across the industry. These competencies also inform the gold-standard Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) certification program and help wellness professionals continue to evolve and expand their knowledge and abilities to build a more well world.