The job seeker market is an ever fluid and complex picture. It is consistently shifting, and with most roles sitting within a candidate driven market, it is important that employers keep on top of the latest trends to ensure they are best positioned to attract and retain the best talent for their business.

Returning to office is more complex

We have previously reported that 87% of employees want flexible working options to remain in place moving beyond 2021, with a 73% majority favouring a hybrid working model. However, with recent studies finding that the majority of employees want life to return largely to the way it was before the first lockdown last year, the picture may be more complicated for employers than originally considered.

It is important to take into consideration how job roles and the sectors which people are employed in will have an impact on these beliefs. With those working in industries like finance, management and professional services holding the highest potential to work from home, it is likely employees within these sectors will want to take advantage of a flexible working pattern.

Work’cation

With more employees working remotely and flexibly, some are starting to question whether the possibility of a workcation is on the cards, allowing them to work remotely whilst taking a trip away from home.

Allowing employees to work in different environments can play a role in reducing stress levels, encouraging new perspectives and enhancing creativity - a potentially beneficial activity for those employed within creative industries and working within agency environments.

However, at a time when employees are working longer hours than before, would this be another blurring of the lines between work and home life? How is this likely to impact the value of annual leave? All important questions for employers to consider.

Higher graduate salaries

We’re seeing a real trend in the market for graduates asking for higher salaries. What previously would have been an £18,000 - £20,000 salary is now looking to be more in the £20,000 - £22,000+ region.

This shift has been supported in our recent Linkedin poll, with 39% of respondents either requesting or willing to pay a graduate a salary of £24,000+. There are many reasons why this may be the case, from holding higher level qualifications such as a masters degree to looking to relocate to more expensive areas such as London and other cities like Birmingham.

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Header: Image adapted from Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels