When it comes to what people value in a job, men and women’s priorities are similar but have differences, according to the results of a recent Gallup survey of more than 13,000 employees. Although respondents weren’t limited to a particular sector, the insights may prove helpful as senior living providers try to recruit and retain more employees to address the industry’s perennial challenge, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Men and women’s top four choices out of 16 factors in Gallup’s Workforce Survey were the same, although the order was a little different, and a greater percentage of women said they saw the four factors as “very important” than did men.
Tops for women participants considering whether to accept a job offer was whether the position allowed for greater work-life balance and better personal well-being. Sixty-six percent of women respondents rated this quality as very important, compared with 56% of participating men, who collectively ranked this factor as No. 2.
“Work-life balance and well-being can’t be just concepts on a careers page,” Kristin Barry, director of hiring analytics at Gallup, wrote in a March post about the findings and their implications for employers. “Job postings and marketing content should outline what flexibility actually looks like at your organization and how leaders embrace the give and take that comes with true work-life balance.”
Topping men’s list when considering whether to accept a job offer was whether the role significantly increased someone’s income or improved the benefits package, with 63% of men rating this factor as very important. Interestingly, more women (65%) than men rated this quality as very important, even though it was No. 2 on the list for women.
The No. 3 and No. 4 qualities were the same on men’s and women’s lists.
Third in importance was that a position allowed the candidate to do what he or she does best. This quality was rated as very important by 62% of women and 53% of men.
“This means that the jobs your organization offers must deliver on pay and meaningful work,” Barry wrote. Among other moves, she suggested that employers consider trying to “mold responsibilities to your people instead of expecting to mold people to responsibilities” and “evaluate the required and preferred qualifications for jobs.”
Fourth in importance was that a position provided greater stability and job security. This quality was rated as very important by 54% of women and 52% of men.
Men and women diverged at No. 5 on their lists, with women (52%) saying it was very important that the organization is diverse and inclusive of all types of people, whereas for men (39%), it was very important for the organization to have a COVID-19 vaccine policy that aligns with their personal beliefs.
Barry pointed out that “[t]he most significant difference between what men and women deem important when considering a potential job change is how much women value an organization’s diversity and inclusivity.” More than half of the women polled said that diversity and inclusion is a very important factor in their decision to take a job, whereas only 29% of men said it was very important.
Read more about the results of the survey, conducted in October, and Barry’s insights on Gallup’s website.
Hear industry experts share insights and advice related to workforce challenges, career success and related topics and earn up to three continuing education credits at the 2022 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Forum, May 13 in Chicago.
Lois A. Bowers is the editor of McKnight’s Senior Living. Read her other columns here.
