Four Things You Should Look for in a New Job!

Jenny Winspear, COO of groundbreaking wellbeing technology Anova, investigates what employees are looking for in a competitive recruitment market

So, you’ve quit your job. It was too stressful / flexible working was revoked / your work life balance was rubbish / your manager was dreadful. Or perhaps you have only just started to think about leaving your job for a change of pace, maybe you are new to the employment market, or maybe you just like to keep your eye on recruitment newsletters in case something better comes along. 

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s important to start thinking about what you want in your next role. During your working life you will spend an average of 35% of your total waking hours at work[1], so if you thought before that money was the most important thing, it may be time to think again. Research in this space reveals that candidates that choose to work for companies that match who they are as a person, and what they believe in, are more likely to: stay longer in the role; have greater job satisfaction and feelings of personal success; feel greater feelings of team cohesion; and be more motivated at work[2].

Taking this into account, here are four things you should consider adding to your ‘new job requirement checklist’ if you want to avoid the grind and seek out a company that takes your individual needs into account.  

1. Look for a company that prioritises your wellbeing 

An organisation that promotes wellbeing can help prevent stress and create positive working environments where individuals can thrive. Healthy people are more likely to flourish and reach their potential. Consider what organisational values come across in the job description. Does it sound like a business that cares about its people’s wellbeing? When you go to the interview, ask what wellbeing measures the organisation has in place. Do they take steps to assess and monitor wellbeing? Do they have a wellbeing budget or programme? Asking these questions will help reveal if they have dedicated resources to improve wellbeing or expose them if they just give it lip service.

2. Consider the learning and development opportunities

Learning and development can help individuals to feel more competent in what they are delivering and ensures people stay intellectually stimulated and feel valued. Have a think about what growth and development opportunities you would like in your career then do some research to see what new organisations have to offer. Read reviews on Glassdoor or check an organisation’s website to see what learning and development opportunities they might offer. Same as before, use the interview to seek out the answer to your specific needs.

3.  Explore flexibility options

Some companies have gone back to asking workers to come back to the office full time – and for some companies this is an important practicality, but for others it’s just going back to old habits. It’s up to you to ask for what you need and want and see if that can be accommodated. Some flexibility around where, when, or how you work has an immediate impact on your wellbeing and improves your ability to meet the demands of the job in a way that suits your lifestyle best. Removing the commute can give you an extra hour in the day to either get work done or focus on hobbies, starting earlier and finishing earlier can give you the extra time you might need to go see family or friends. If a business does not recognise the positive impact flexible working has had on individual work life balance, then you might want to ask yourself whether they are the right company for you.

4.  Find purpose in the work or organisational values

Having purpose in your job makes a world of difference to your motivation. When you understand why you do what you do and the impact it has on the world, you’re more likely to want to get up and go in the morning and make a difference. Purpose can be hard to find, but even if you do not immediately find it in the work you do, making sure you align with the values and vision of a new company before starting there can go a long way in finding a job that is the right fit. 

If you wish to talk about wellbeing products and services, visit www.myanova.com or contact Jenny at hello@myanova.com