A new report from Linkedin delves into the priorities of professionals in different cities across the U.S., revealing that Philadelphia-area workers place a high value on company culture – sometimes surpassing the value of the company itself.
The report, "Workplace Culture Trends: The Key to Hiring (and Keeping) Top Talent in 2018," surveyed Linkedin members to learn more about employees' work-life preferences as employers face a mass shortage of employees with soft skills (things such as people skills, communication, and general social skills). Linkedin quantifies the shortage at 1.4 million.
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Nationally, the survey found that 70 percent of professionals would not transition to a leading company in their field if it meant sacrificing company culture. In Philadelphia, that percentage is even higher – more than three-quarters of workers – 76 percent – said they would not tolerate a bad corporate culture for a job at a top company.
Eighty-one percent of Philly professionals said it is important they have pride in the company for which they work. What makes them proud? Fifty-six percent said good work-life balance and flexibility is the biggest factor.
Close behind, 51 percent of Linkedin members said that having a positive societal impact through their jobs was another significant factor in generating pride in their companies. The third important factor, at 45 percent, is a positive workplace culture where workers feel they can be themselves.
Despite this emphasis on culture and flexibility, the most important thing keeping Philadelphia-area employees in a job for at least five years comes down to the nitty gritty: benefits.
Forty-eight percent of area professionals said benefits such as paid time off, paternal leave, and good health insurance were top priorities at sticking with a job for the long term. Nationally, benefits were the second most important factor, at 44 percent, close behind a comfortable, accepting workplace environment (46 percent).
Check out the full survey findings here, including Linkedin's tips for employers on how to retain talent.