Dive Brief:

• More than half of employees would stay at jobs with lower salaries if that meant working for a great boss, according to recent survey results from Randstad US.
• While employees continue to leave jobs for reasons like improved compensation and a better location, Randstad found that they also report leaving for reasons tied to negative personal experiences that are often related to poor workplace culture.
• Sixty percent said they have left jobs, or are considering leaving, because they don't like their direct supervisors. Almost as many have left jobs, or are considering leaving, because of negative office politics. Eighty-six percent said they wouldn't apply for or continue to work for a company that has a bad reputation with former employees or the general public, and 65% would likely leave if their employers were being negatively portrayed in the news or on social media because of a crisis or negative business practices.

Dive Insight:

The tight labor market is forcing employers to focus on talent attraction and retention more than ever before. To compete, companies are making strategic moves to retain top performers and improve their front-facing brand.

Today's workers have high expectations, Randstad North America's CHRO, Jim Link, said in a statement, "and the tight talent market suggests employers should be listening closely." Pay and benefits will always be inportant, he said, but "engagement and retention, the intangible benefits and day-to-day experiences at work have risen in importance. If the full spectrum of values — emotional, financial and lifestyle — aren’t being met, workers will easily find opportunities elsewhere."

With interpersonal relationships and the treatment of employees a significant factor in engagement, employers are increasingly examining their cultures and brands. Job seekers are reviewing employers' online ratings and bypassing employers with less-then-stellar reputations. To compete, employers will have to focus not only on external branding but also internal satisfaction. Many are working to create a positive work environment, complete with a culture that respects, inspires, develops and supports all employees — right alongside a brand that represents company values.