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When it comes to finding that first job after university, new graduates are becoming pickier and pickier when it comes to landing that first job. Graduates are no longer taking the first opportunity they can get their hands on; they are now taking their time and holding out for that dream position. With workplaces evolving and offering more benefits and flexibility than ever before, people can be more selective when choosing their next job. Here are the top things that employees are currently looking for in their workspace and next career move. 

Flexibility

Flexibility is more of a modern take on a workspace. Previously, jobs didn’t have that much flexibility. You commuted every day, came into work, did your 9-5 and came home. You had a set amount of days for both annual and sick leave each year and that was that. Now, thanks to the marvellous creation of the internet, theatrically, most people can work from anywhere with a good internet connection. A lot of workplaces are now offering the very popular option of staff being able to work from home at least one day a week, especially for staff have a long commute to work. 

Another growing trend for workspace flexibility is allowing staff to work overtime and build up a leave-bank. With only a set amount of annual leave each year, a leave-bank (also known as Flexi leave and leave loading) gives you the ability to take a few days off here and there throughout the yeat without having to dig into your allocated annual leave. So people may work an hour longer every day and only work a 9 day fortnight, or just work extra hours when they want to take a particular day off work.  

Workplace culture

For younger members of the workforce, workplace culture plays a big role in selecting a job. The environment and the people you work with can make or break a workplace so more organisations have turned to hiring based on personality rather than merit and qualifications. Rather than just looking at a resume, employers scroll through cover letters and interview people, assessing their personalities, ensuring a workspace where fun and like-minded people can work together and feed off each others energy. This popular hiring technique has made a lot of workspaces entirely unique. People know this and as a result, they hunt through organisations to find the perfect culture fit for them.

One highly sought after and exceedingly popular workplace culture is the ‘coworking culture’. This workspace set up encourages creativity and collaboration and keeps the brain active. Rather than come into work and sit at the same desk set up, day in and day out, a coworking space mixes it up. You can sit next to whoever you want and where-ever you want, working from a desk one day and from a bean bag the next.

Growth opportunities

Growth and career progression is a very important factor that people consider when selecting a job, particularly if they have had to study and university and work hard to get their qualifications. A lot of new graduates are very driven and want a challenge and want to succeed. They don’t just want any job, they want a job where they have a clear career path, one they know that if they work hard in they will be recognised and rewarded for their efforts and hard work.