The labour market is constantly changing, and so are employee’s expectations. Increasingly, professionals are talking in job interviews not only about salary but also about working conditions, career opportunities and company culture. Meanwhile, a PeopleKeep survey found that for 81% of employees, a company’s benefits package is an important factor in determining whether a job offer is accepted.

HR professionals from Teltonika Networks, a growing technology company, Swedbank, one of the largest banks in the Nordic and Baltic countries, and Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI) reveal what motivates employees today and what they expect from future employers.

The younger generation reveals their professional ambitions during job interviews

Viktorija Einiutė, Talent Acquisition Lead at Teltonika Networks, reveals that work-life balance remains the most important thing for employees today. This, she says, usually means having flexible working hours and not having to take work home.

‘I would put health insurance on the side – as the queues for doctors get longer, it is important for employees to be able to get to the right specialist sooner,’ says V. Einiutė.

She notes that with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the various constraints, when businesses were able to adapt to the challenges around them, working from home really took off, with people commuting once a week to their workplaces, and in many cases, full online working was offered. Later, V. Einiutė recalls, that other popular benefits emerged, such as workations, where workers chose to spend the winter where it was warm.

‘Over time, however, I think both employers and employees have analysed which perks are useful. So, remote working is becoming less and less of an added benefit, and working from home is also not as popular as it used to be – people prefer to work from the office more often. Working from the office has also become a priority for companies,’ shares V. Einiutė, a representative of the partner company of Kauno kolegija HEI Internship and Career Days.

In conclusion, she points out that fully remote work, workation, and extra vacation days have become not a given, but additional benefits, along with working from home.

She adds that career opportunities have always been important to employees but now it is more often talked about by representatives of the younger generation who have entered junior positions, trying from the very beginning to paint a picture for themselves of what and where they can do in that company.

‘Employers sometimes get scared that a person immediately wants to be a manager, although in reality the person just wants to see themselves in your company in the long term,’ says V. Einiutė.

She reveals that the most widely used motivational tool at Teltonika Networks is a flexible work schedule, where employees can start work between 6 and 10 a.m. This, she notes, helps employees plan their work and personal time more conveniently.

‘We also have bonus systems. All employees of the company receive health insurance, without which a modern workplace is probably unimaginable today. On birthdays, we give employees an extra day off and make sure that there are snacks when they spend time in the office, which we change according to the seasons – we have noticed that this is well received by employees. We also have a very large list of partners who apply discounts on goods, services and activities that surround us not only at work but also in our personal lives,’ shares V. Einiutė.

Helps not only retain talent but also strengthens the team

Swedbank Career Consultant Livija Tursaitė, speaking about tendencies in employee expectations, says she has noticed that remote and hybrid work options are becoming increasingly important for employees today.

‘Most employees appreciate the opportunity to work remotely or combine office work with work from home. Employees are also looking for employers who offer professional growth opportunities, such as training and career growth prospects,’ shares L. Tursaitė.

She reveals that to ensure employee well-being, long-term growth and engagement in the organisation’s activities, Swedbank employees are provided with various motivational measures, such as health insurance, employer-funded pension savings in the 3rd pillar, various days off (for wellness, learning, volunteering, etc.), an internal sports club, events for emotional well-being, team events, sports communities, more favourable conditions for certain Swedbank products, camps for children, the LinkedIn learning platform and other educational programmes.

‘The most appreciated perks are health insurance, days off, educational opportunities, pension savings, and events. The sports club is also very popular, which is a great advantage,’ shares the career consultant of the Kauno kolegija Internship and Career Days partner company.

L. Tursaitė notes that Swedbank is a great place to grow and develop. The organisation fosters an innovative and continuous learning culture and focuses on the professional growth of employees.

‘Therefore, we pay a lot of attention to internal careers, and we encourage employee professional development by offering various training and career opportunities. These perks are especially appreciated by employees, when our team members feel valued and recognised, they become more loyal and motivated to contribute to common goals. Such an environment not only helps retain talent but also creates a strong, united team, ready to overcome any challenges,’ notes career consultant V. Tursaitė.

Higher salary alone is not enough for today’s employee

Renata Krygerienė, Head of the Human Resources Unit at Kauno kolegija HEI, shares that today’s employees have increasingly high expectations for employers, as they compete in the labour market not only for salary, but also for working conditions, organisational culture, flexible work forms, and career opportunities.

‘Recent research shows that in addition to greater salary, employees increasingly value areas such as psychological and emotional well-being, values ​​and organisational culture, and professional growth opportunities. It is becoming important for employees that the organisation meets their values ​​and transparently demonstrates social responsibility,’ says R. Krygerienė, listing the changing expectations of employees for their employer.

She adds that employees expect their employer to create working hours that allow them to better balance work and personal life needs, as well as to take care of their emotional well-being and create a favourable work environment, providing opportunities for learning and development.

‘I would also like to emphasise that in the modern work context, the relationship between an employee and a manager is becoming particularly important. This relationship has a significant impact on employee engagement, job satisfaction, and loyalty to the organisation. Today’s employees value not only a manager’s competencies and leadership skills but also the ability to create a favourable, supportive atmosphere based on trust and openness,’ shares the Head of the Human Resources Unit of Kauno kolegija HEI.

Among the most motivating measures for employees, she names flexible working conditions and psychological and emotional well-being. This, notes R. Krygerienė, is directly related to the employee’s quality of life, and well-being and allows them to balance work with personal commitments. Opportunities for professional growth are also important, as they strengthen employee loyalty and contribute to professional satisfaction.

‘In summary, today’s employees value employers who take their needs into account, provide space for personal growth, and strive to ensure well-being and emotional security,’ summarises R. Krygerienė, Head of the Human Resources Unit of Kauno kolegija HEI.