When U.S. workers look for a new job, they tend to know what they want. Before saying “yes” to a new job, they expect to be eligible for some key perks.
Recently, The Harris Poll surveyed 1,170 employed adults and asked them to name the top factors they weigh when deciding whether to accept a job offer. Survey respondents included everyone from frontline workers to C-suite executives.
Here’s what respondents say they want in a new job in 2024.
7. Educational stipends
Percentage of workers who ranked this factor among their top three: 17%
In a hyper-competitive marketplace, workers who keep their skills cutting-edge are likely to gain the advantage. Schooling is expensive, which makes educational stipends worth their weight in career-advancing gold.
If you want to boost your career, make sure you understand “The Top 10 Skills Employers Want You to Have.”
6. Child care opportunities
Percentage of workers who ranked this factor among their top three: 20% (among parents)
With two-income families now the norm in society, finding good child care is essential to couples who want to pursue their professional ambitions.
5. Corporate culture
Percentage of workers who ranked this factor among their top three: 33%
Work is no fun if the corporate culture is miserable. A workplace that encourages teamwork and welcomes the contributions of everyone, for example, is a more attractive place to spend the majority of your day.
4. Work environment policy
Percentage of workers who ranked this factor among their top three: 41%
The COVID-19 pandemic forced tens of millions of workers to work from home for the first time, and almost all of them fell in love with the arrangement.
Today, a company’s openness to remote or hybrid work is often crucial to attracting and retaining talent. If you dream of working from home, you might want to check out “20 Companies Switching to Permanent Remote Work-From-Home Jobs.”
3. Paid time off/vacation policy
Percentage of workers who ranked this factor among their top three: 49%
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how millions of people view work. While many workaholics remain, other workers have decided they want a better work/life balance. For these folks, the ability to schedule time off is a crucial factor when they weigh a job offer.
2. Health care benefits
Percentage of workers who ranked this factor among their top three: 56%
Health care expenses pose one of the greatest potential threats to the average person’s budget. A company that offers health insurance and related perks — such as a health savings account — has a big advantage in attracting good workers.
1. Salary
Percentage of workers who ranked this factor among their top three: 80%
If we’re honest, the majority of us would likely admit that we work for one primary reason: to earn a paycheck.
While pay is important to millions of workers, some do place higher priorities on other perks. Nearly half of survey respondents — 48% — said they would rather have more paid days off than a higher salary.
If making more money is important to you, learn about “The Best Time and Place to Negotiate Your Salary.”
