From work practices to work environment, benefits and pay, employees will have their sights set on the most forward-thinking and progressive practices as we move to the new year. By focusing on these key areas and taking time to understand what employees are looking for, architecture companies can make sure they are offering the best possible work practices, environment, and benefits to stay competitive in the fast-changing landscape of the workplace. 

Flexibility

Following the pandemic and the progressive focus on offering inclusive measures to promote a more diverse workforce, employees are increasingly expecting practices to be more flexible and prioritise work-life balance. This includes offering flexible and/or compressed hours or remote working opportunities.

Career Progression

The fast-moving pace of change in the industry and the workplace means employees are keen to continue to develop and stay relevant in their chosen industry. If practices are not able to provide career progression and professional development opportunities in-house, retention will become increasingly challenging. As such, companies should emphasise a culture of learning and development offering career pathing programs, comprehensive onboarding, continuing education opportunities and mentorship programs. In addition, companies should also be looking to provide their employees with the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops on the latest trends in architecture and design, so they can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the future. 

Culture

Employees will be looking for transparency from leadership and an emphasis on open communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. 

Work Environment

The physical work environment is also changing and becoming increasingly important. Employees are looking for comfortable, stimulating, and resourceful work environments that are open and inviting, with a focus on collaboration, idea sharing and innovation. Companies offering spacious, modern offices with plenty of natural light, ergonomic furniture, resources, and amenities such as break out and social areas, are more likely to attract and retain top talent. 

Salary

Employees are pushing for higher salaries and with rising living costs and a shortage in skilled staff, this is only set to continue. Companies are being forced to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain top talent. As such, companies should revisit their current salary bands, keep their eyes open for 2022 salary surveys that reflect actual salaries in the market, and look to offer competitive salaries. Companies should also consider performance-based bonuses and share options. Companies that can offer competitive pay and benefits packages will have an easier time recruiting and retaining employees. 

Additionally, employees will look for pay transparency meaning companies should be upfront about how they calculate salaries and bonuses. Companies should consider offering career development programs, which will help employees understand how to reach their desired salary. 

Benefits

There is rising pressure to provide competitive benefits packages especially those that relate to employee well-being and higher living costs. Such benefits include increased holidays, better health benefits and other perks such as extended parental leave, support with childcare and education reimbursement. Other benefits looked at favourably include fitness subsidies, wellness programs and counselling services. 

Technology

We are increasingly seeing employees enquire about the various technologies and software used by practices. Employees are looking for architecture companies that are forward thinking, utilising cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies to solve complex problems and create solutions that are aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient and innovative. For example, the use of BIM, advanced 3D printing technology, virtual reality and augmented reality will all become increasingly sought after and commonplace in the industry.

Sustainability

As more people become aware of the impact of their actions on the environment, employees will be looking for architecture companies that prioritise resource efficiency and environmentally conscious design. Companies who invest in research and development of eco-friendly materials and resources that can help reduce carbon footprint and demonstrate their commitment to finding ways to integrate renewable energy solutions to their projects will be looked at positively. 

Conclusion

Employees increasingly look to their employers to provide them with cutting-edge tools, knowledge and resources that enable them to stay ahead of the curve and reach their full potential in the ever-changing field of architecture. Companies must be willing to listen to the needs of their employees, invest in the latest technology, prioritise sustainability, and foster teamwork, collaboration, and well-being initiatives to remain competitive. If architecture companies can meet these expectations, they will be well positioned for success in the years to come.  

Best wishes,

Team FAT