Dive Brief:

• The improving economy is good news for the vast majority of Americans, but it might not be as kind to HR leaders looking to retain their most talented people in 2016 and beyond, according to a new survey from Aon Hewitt. 
• Aon Hewitt’s Workforce Mindset study found that 52% of employees say they are open to leaving their current employers for new opportunities. And of these employees, 44% are actively looking for new roles.
• Aon Hewitt, which surveyed more than 2,000 American employees, also found that the top five workplace differentiators, which could mitigate that talent loss, include employers who offer: above average pay (62%); above average benefits (61%); a fun place to work (58%); a flexible work environment (57%) and a "strong fit with my values" (56%).

Dive Insight:

“Encouraged by low unemployment rates and frustrated with lackluster wage increases, many U.S. workers are looking for new and better jobs,” said Ray Baumruk, employee research leader at Aon Hewitt. 

Aon Hewitt’s research shows a close link between employees’ employment experiences and engagement. According to the survey data, for example, employees who said their workplace communication is open and honest are about 15 times more likely to be engaged than other workers. Additionally, employees who feel encouraged to share ideas and opinions are nearly 11 times more likely to be engaged.

Clearly, having top talent is a competitive advantage. But to keep and attract more of the highest performers, employers need an authentic employee value proposition that sets them apart and meets some or all of those five differentiators in the survey. That would mean a culture where employee expectations and desires are closely aligned with the employment experience offered.