We also asked whether their HR policies and positions on social, economic and political stances matter to their buyers. See what they told us.

Employer and employee expectations have changed

88% of employers polled told us that organizational expectations of current employees and new hires have changed since the beginning of the pandemic.

This means that what they need from their people, and how they expect their people to show up for work, has evolved as a result of the pandemic. This includes increased flexibility, a willingness to work differently, the need to communicate and collaborate in new ways, and increased use of technology-based tools, among others.

98% of employers said their employees’ expectations of how they work and of how the organization supports them have also changed.

This may require that organizations reevaluate their HR and employee benefit policies and programs to determine what permanent adjustments should be made. This includes more frequent and transparent communication from leadership, employee benefits that better reflect employees’ life cycle needs, stronger training and career navigation support and skilled managers who look for signs of burnout, mental health needs and employee satisfaction.

There’s consensus that changes will be permanent

98% of employers told us these new expectations are “the new normal” for the organization.

99% of employers said they think employees’ changed expectations are permanent.