Poor leadership as knockout criterion No. 1

At 2.1 percent, the unemployment rate in Switzerland remained at a low level in February and the situation on the labor market remains tense. To attract new employees, companies are therefore increasingly turning to new types of work models and benefits. The online recruiting specialist "onlyfy by XING" wanted to know which of these measures are actually well received by professionals in Switzerland and what the "no-go's" are that keep them away from a new job despite higher pay. In collaboration with the Forsa research institute, onlyfy conducted a representative survey of over 1,000 employees in German-speaking Switzerland.

"No deal": poor leadership scares off candidates 

What keeps employees from applying to a company despite higher pay? A bad management style, says more than half of the respondents (58 percent). An unsuitable location (57 percent) and bad experiences of friends or acquaintances with the employer (55 percent), closely followed by a poor corporate culture (54 percent), also keep candidates away from a potential employer.

When it comes to the location factor, there are differences between the age groups. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, for example, 47 percent would be deterred from applying for a job by an unsuitable location, even if the new job paid better. Among 30 to 49-year-olds, more than half (55 percent) and among the over-50s almost two-thirds (64 percent) consider the employer's location to be a decisive criterion.

A poor corporate culture is also a greater deterrent, especially for older professionals. 61 percent of those over 50 would not apply for a job with better pay if the corporate culture did not fit. In the youngest age group of 18- to 29-year-olds, the figure is only 43 percent in comparison. In addition, a poor corporate culture is a no-go significantly more often for people with a higher level of education (62 percent) than for people with a formally lower level of education (47 percent).

A lack of opportunities for home office or remote work is keeping around a quarter (27 percent) of respondents from applying to a new employer, even if more pay beckons in return. There are considerable differences between the various career levels with regard to the importance of flexible working time models. Whereas only 22 percent of skilled workers would be put off working from home, 39 percent of middle managers would be deterred from choosing a new employer.

"A poor leadership style is the killer criterion par excellence for Swiss professionals. The good news is that companies can actively promote a positive leadership culture. An honest look at one's own company is therefore worthwhile in order to become aware of possible weaknesses. When it comes to the criterion of location, things get more difficult, because it is often not so easy to change. However, location disadvantages can be compensated for with the option of working independently of location," says Frank Hassler, CEO of New Work SE, which also includes the onlyfy by XING brand.

Increasing attractiveness as a company: Flexible working time is the trump card

The shortage of skilled workers and a persistently low unemployment rate have prompted companies to consider new working models in recent years. For 61 percent of employees, an employer becomes more attractive if it offers flexible working hours. This is particularly popular with employees aged 30 and over. A four-day week with the same pay would make the company more interesting for a total of 59 percent of respondents. The option of a home office is perceived by just under half of those surveyed (47 percent) as increasing the company's attractiveness, and in the 30 to 49 age group, home office is particularly appreciated by 52 percent. Around a quarter of respondents each find that more salary transparency (27 percent) and the option for longer time off, e.g. in the form of a sabbatical (26 percent), make an employer more attractive.

The option of "workation," where employees can work temporarily from abroad, is particularly well received by younger people. While 28 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds and 26 percent of 30- to 39-year-olds believe that this makes an employer more attractive, only 15 percent of the over-50s find it more attractive. Fitness and yoga offers at the company also attract younger employees in particular. 32 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds see this as a benefit. As the age of the respondents increases, however, the attractiveness weakens noticeably. Only 13 percent of those over 50 say that sports activities make an employer more attractive to them.

"Employers can increase their attractiveness with new work models and benefits. However, companies should be aware that not all measures have the same effect on all candidates. The option of workation can make sense in order to attract young candidates in particular, whereas other measures are more effective in the search for specialists and managers with many years of experience," continues Frank Hassler.

Source: onlyfy by XING / New Work SE