Today’s employees and job seekers have new expectations for what they want and need from employers. In the wake of the Great Resignation, millions of Americans are reflecting on their relationship to work – seeking progress in areas of flexibility, health benefits, work-life balance, professional development, recognition, and diversity.

For employers, adapting to these changing values is more important than ever. A recent report found a staggering 96% of workers are looking to change jobs in 2023. To attract, retain, and develop top talent, employers must listen to the wants and needs of their employees and build a culture that celebrates belonging, employee health, well-being, and growth.

Read on for 10 stats that demonstrate the benefits, perks, and aspects of company culture that today’s job seekers value most.

1. The vast majority of job seekers – 88% – give consideration to health, dental, and vision insurance benefits as part of their job search. (Source: SHRM)

2. Job seekers value companies that offer employee wellness programs: A combined 61% of job seekers say that it’s important to them that prospective employers offer employee wellness programs. (Source: Software Advice)

3. Pay is also a top criteria for job seekers. A recent poll found pay is top of mind for 64% of people when they are searching for a new job. (Source: Gallup)

4. Flexibility is also key. A survey found 95% of respondents care more about flexible hours than remote work. Another report found 84% of enterprise employees would like at least some flexibility, in contrast with only 16% who would prefer a set schedule. (Sources: Future Forum; Adobe)

5. For 67% of people polled, sick pay is the employee benefit they value most. (Source: CIPHR)

6. Job seekers are looking at retirement benefits when applying for jobs. Pension contribution matching – where employers offer to match employees’ contributions on top of the minimum auto-enrollment requirements – is a top ranked benefit 46% of people polled. (Source: CIPHR)

7. Employees value their time off. One study found that more vacation time was an appealing perk for 80% of respondents. (Source: Harvard Business Review)

8. Learning and development opportunities are also of great importance to today's employees: 49% of employees expect their employer to support career growth. (Source: Wharton)

9. Job seekers are looking to work at organizations that prioritize diversity. Nearly 80% of workers say that they want to work for a company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. (Source: CNBC)

10. Employee recognition is a top driver of employee engagement. In fact, when employees believe they will be recognized, they are 2.7 times more likely to be highly engaged. (Source: Quantum Workplace)

As we enter into a new era of employee values and expectations, the time is now for employers to build a culture of health, well-being, and growth. Employees and employers alike will benefit: Our research shows that a workforce made up of high-vitality employees is more engaged and productive and drives better business outcomes. By expanding the understanding of employee engagement through the lens of wellness, we can collectively forge a new path, where America’s workforce is healthier and more productive than ever.