Nearly half (46%) of employees said that working for an ethical employer is more important to them than a higher salary, according to new research by PR agency Unhooked Communications.
It surveyed 2,015 UK adults on what they look for in an employer and what motivates them in their work for its HR unhooked pr and marketing report, and found that those aged 25-34 (54%) and those working in the environment and energy sector (65%) were most likely to agree that an ethical employer is more important than higher pay.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) said they value a better work-life balance over getting paid more, while 53% prefer to work for an employer that allows remote work for at least some of the time.
Half (52%) said corporate social responsibility and working for an employer that gives back to local communities through fundraising, donations and volunteering was important, while 46% would like to work for a organisation that has an environmental, social and governance policy.
More than half (57%) prioritise working for an employer that champions diversity and inclusivity. When applying for jobs, 59% look at the businesses’ own websites and social media channels for information about the culture, values and ways of working, while 42% look to see what awards the employer had been shortlisted for or won.
Claire Gamble, managing director of Unhooked Communications, said: “We know how vital it is for businesses across all sectors to attract and retain the very best talent. Businesses might struggle to compete on salaries, so it’s reassuring to see that employees also value non-financial qualities in their employer.
“It’s very often down to the HR teams to consider how they word job descriptions and the benefits of working for an employer. By focusing on building a strong employer brand through PR and marketing activity, such as generating positive press coverage, winning credible awards and creating content that shows the ethics and purpose of the brand, employers can not only attract the best talent, but they can also motivate and retain their existing workforce too.”