In recent years, industries across the country, including life sciences, have seen an increased push for flexible work arrangements, thus reshaping the way companies recruit and retain top talent. Particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees have begun to focus on work-life balance and employers that can meet flexible and diverse needs. Tuning in to your workforce’s evolving desires and preferences is critical for attracting candidates to fill open roles.
Work-from-home (WFH) opportunities have expanded significantly in recent years, and statistics suggest that the push for remote work will only continue to grow in the future. According to Upwork, over 36 million Americans are projected to work remotely by 2025, and Forbes reports that an astonishing 98% of workers prefer to work remotely at least part of the time. These statistics point to a greater need for companies to adopt remote or hybrid work schedules that align with the preferences of job seekers.
With the rise of remote work, diverse industries have also begun to see an increasing demand for flexible hours to suit the needs of different employee lifestyles. Business Insider reports that offering more autonomy for employees to work varied hours and schedules can increase productivity and motivation in the workplace, thus promoting higher employee retention rates. Additionally, offering flexible work schedules in hiring packages can help to attract a larger net of potential candidates who may prioritize flexibility in their job search.
While this increase in remote work opportunities is considered largely positive for many industries, there’s no question that this shift does pose some challenges for employers. Fostering collaborative teams remotely and juggling the logistics of non-synchronous work can sometimes be a learning curve. However, analyzing areas where you can better meet the demands of job seekers is a crucial way to ensure you attract top talent and cultivate a productive workplace with satisfied employees. Partnering with a trusted recruitment agency with experience and insight into making these shifts can make a world of difference as you strategize how best to recruit and retain solid employees.