Our latest Candidate Motivators Report has all the goss on the latest trends and drivers that are getting potential employees excited about going to work. Turns out things aren’t quite what they used to be in 2022. 

If you thought it was all healthy pay cheques and hefty bonuses, well, not any more. 

With nearly 68% of survey respondents highlighting that non-monetary benefits are the most important factor when looking for a new employer, it seems the game has changed. 

Almost half the Melburnians we spoke to have changed jobs in the past year, meaning it’s more important than ever to be ahead of the curve when it comes to the demands of top talent. 

So, let’s dive in! 

Think wooden spoons and recyclable cups 

As the metropolitan area with the highest number of greens and independent seats, it’s interesting to see how Melbourne's political choices are reflected in their work life. 

While it may not be in the top five drivers, caring for the environment did come in at number ten - that’s seven places higher than in Brisbane and Sydney. 

If the past has taught us anything, it’s that we should always be on the lookout for trends creeping their way up the ladder - so we’re keeping a close watch on this one. 

It’s not about going out and chaining ourselves to trees in protest, but being mindful of how to be more eco conscious in day-to-day business activities - think wooden spoons and recyclable cups. 

With just over 1 in 5 survey respondents saying an awareness and appreciation for the environment is something an employer should definitely have, it’s time to polish up those green thumbs. 

And the number one driver is ….. 

…. flexible working (39.29%)! 

It’s been a hot topic for the past couple of years and it seems the need for flexibility isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. 

After being locked up inside for months on end (thanks Covid), we’ve all developed a new appreciation for living life. We still want to thrive at work, but we also want to thrive in life. 

Exactly how we thrive looks a little different for everyone. It might be hitting the weights before work or heading to the local for a caffeine hit and mental reset in the middle of the day. Flexible working policies need to be just that - flexible. 

A good pay cheque is great, but what about the time to actually enjoy our earnings? 

Climbing ladders and making waves 

What else are Melbourne’s tech talent on the lookout for from their ideal employer? A reason to stick around. 

That reason (coming in at number two) is career progression opportunities. 

To draw in the best talent, and keep them, they need to feel supported in their career development. This driver was particularly important for our female respondents who actually ranked career progression as number one. 

We all love a good seminar or online course, but we’re talking real progression - opportunities to work their way up the ladder. 

With over 65% of respondents utilising their training and development budget in the last twelve months, the numbers show the people of Melbourne are serious about making waves. 

Are there offerings in place that clearly articulate progression paths and opportunities to candidates or do they need a little revitalising? 

More than meditation 

Tying in nicely with driver one, wellbeing (34.29%) is another hot topic we’ve consistently heard about over the last few years and continues to be an important factor for Melbourne’s tech talent. 

Are we checking in on the wellbeing of our employees? 

Sometimes it takes more than downloading a meditation app or going for a walk around the block. It’s about ensuring candidates have a good work-life balance, whatever that might look like for them. 

Providing days for a mental reset, flexible hours around stressful times and ensuring those in leadership know how to show support can be the key to having dedicated and productive people who are in it for the long haul. 

Put the laptop down 

Work-life balance is definitely a driving factor for the Melbourne candidates right now, with the topic getting its own special mention in spot number four. 

Sometimes it can seem like this mythical, unattainable thing we all talk about, but considering the current working world, finding that balance is more important than ever. 

Making an appearance last year in the same place, it’s no surprise really considering the increased trend around hybrid and remote working options. The lines of knowing when to work and when to switch off are becoming increasingly blurred. We need to help our employees know when it’s ok to shut the laptop. 

We love a little stability 

In a time when things seem to be constantly changing, people are looking for some stability in their life. So, it’s not surprising that long-term job security has found its way into the top five drivers this year. 

Last year was all about the great resignation, but this year things have flipped and now it’s all about the great stay. 

Not even getting an honourable mention last year, the sudden rise around the importance of long-term job security shows just how quickly the market can shift (and how on top of trends we need to be to remain attractive to candidates). 

Don’t believe us? Check out these numbers. Last year, 10% of Melbourne respondents got a new job with the same company. This year, 21% want to change roles within the same organisations. 

Stability ultimately ties in with the number two driver of career progression. Often feeling content staying somewhere coincides with whether there’s any promotional opportunities. 

Are leaders having open discussions with both employees and candidates about the long-term career paths available? Is it time to focus a little more on internal mobility options? 

Make it personal 

The common trend across all the top drivers is personalization. Finding balance, having flexibility, career choices, there isn’t a one-size fits all approach to these. 

It’s all about ensuring benefits and offerings can be tailored to the needs and wants of employees and potential candidates. 

Nail that and watch the talent come rolling in. 

Want to dive deeper into what’s getting Melbourne’s tech talent excited to go to work? Click here to download the 2023 Candidate Motivators Report.