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In Australia, there is no universal or legal definition of an employer of choice, but organisations can apply for an Employer of Choice for Women citation from the Australian Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA). Employers of choice are generally considered to be organisations that people actively choose to work for and that offer more than others. They are often characterised by a workplace culture that provides employees with what they need to thrive, including purpose, opportunity, appreciation, and a safe and healthy workplace. Recognition is also a powerful strategy to help organisations become employers of choice, as it communicates to employees that they are valued. Organisations that are employers of choice may also offer additional features that go above and beyond industry norms, such as financial security, decision-making power, and respect for employees. They may also provide development opportunities for people of all levels to continuously learn, grow, and excel in their fields.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recognition | 79% of employees leave because they don’t feel appreciated but companies with recognition programs see 31% lower turnover than companies without. |
| Employee experience | Employee experience is one of the three main focuses of organisations aiming to become employers of choice. |
| Workplace culture | Organisations should create a workplace culture that provides employees with what they need to thrive at work. |
| Perks and benefits | Comprehensive benefits packages (health insurance, paid time off, family care benefits, retirement, etc.) are crucial to becoming an employer of choice. |
| Financial soundness | Employees are reasonably certain that their employer is financially sound and are not concerned about losing their jobs. |
| Employee involvement | Employees can make suggestions, think up new products or service innovations, serve on employee committees to plan events and work processes, and attend appropriate meetings and have input on work processes that affect their jobs. |
| Respect | Employees feel that they are fundamentally respected by their bosses and coworkers. |
| Safe and healthy workplace | Employers of choice create a safe, healthy workplace. |
| Diversity and inclusion | Employers of choice embrace diversity and promote inclusion in their workplaces. |
| Leadership | The Australian Business Awards' Employer of Choice Award recognises the best organisation to work for in Australia with more than 1000 employees based on leadership, among other criteria. |
| Employee benefits | The Australian Business Awards' Employer of Choice Award recognises the best organisation to work for in Australia with more than 1000 employees based on employee benefits, among other criteria. |
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What You'll Learn
Perks and benefits
A safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace is essential. This includes supporting employees' physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Organisations should embrace diversity, promote gender equality, and provide training to address issues like gender-based harassment.
Recognition is another key component of perks and benefits. Implementing employee recognition programs or software can help organisations show their employees that they are valued and appreciated. Regular recognition, celebrating work anniversaries, and acknowledging accomplishments can boost employee morale and engagement.
Providing purpose, opportunity, and appreciation are also important. This can be achieved by helping employees understand their contribution to the organisation's purpose, offering development opportunities, and empowering them to make decisions about their work. Employers of choice often go beyond industry norms by offering benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, family care support, and retirement plans.
Additionally, work-life balance initiatives are significant. Flexible scheduling choices allow employees to manage their personal and professional lives effectively. Financial security is another aspect that employers of choice may offer, giving employees peace of mind and enabling them to focus on their goals without worrying about job stability.
Overall, perks and benefits play a vital role in creating a positive and engaging workplace culture, which is essential for attracting and retaining top talent in Australia.
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Employee recognition
The most successful employee recognition programs have three things in common: they recognise a variety of accomplishments, both large and small; they appeal to a wide range of employees; and they meaningfully link effort, output, and recognition. For instance, BlueScope, a company with 8,000 employees, implemented a virtual and physical recognition solution that included a branded online portal featuring messages of appreciation from senior leaders and the opportunity for employees to select gift cards or donate to charities.
Additionally, employee recognition should be timely. Research shows that the longer it takes for managers to recognise employees, the less likely employees will view the affirmations as authentic. Prompt recognition, such as daily expressions of gratitude, can be highly motivating for employees. Furthermore, recognition from peers can also be very impactful. For example, Crowe, a professional services firm, has a "Pay It Forward" program where recognised individuals can acknowledge colleagues who played important roles in serving clients but may not have received recognition otherwise.
Finally, employee recognition should be tailored to the individual. Understanding each employee's preferred language of appreciation in a work setting can help make recognition more meaningful and effective. For instance, while some may appreciate bonuses or raises, others may prefer customised gifts or acts that show their reward is personalised.
By implementing effective employee recognition programs, organisations in Australia can create a positive workplace culture, attract top talent, improve employee retention, and ultimately become employers of choice.
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Safe and healthy workplace
In Australia, there are no universal professional or legal standards for being an employer of choice, and there are no awards for being a general employer of choice. However, organisations can apply for an Employer of Choice for Women citation, awarded by the Australian Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA). This award recognises organisations with policies that support women's development and advancement, promote the success of women in the workplace, and provide training and education opportunities to employees on gender-based harassment.
One of the key areas assessed by the Employer of Choice Awards is Employee Health, Safety & Satisfaction. Creating a safe and healthy workplace is paramount to being an employer of choice. This includes complying with work health and safety laws and regulations, such as those enforced by SafeWork NSW in NSW and WorkSafe in Queensland. Employers should also provide their employees with accident insurance policies that cover work-related injuries.
To foster a safe and healthy workplace, employers should empower their employees to make decisions about their work and take responsibility for their actions. Employees should feel respected by their bosses and coworkers, and they should have the opportunity to be involved in the organisation through suggesting ideas, serving on committees, and having input on work processes that affect their jobs. Additionally, employers should provide feedback to employees about their performance and recognise their efforts, contributions, and great work.
Furthermore, employers should care about the employee's physical, emotional, social, and financial health. This includes promoting mentally healthy workplaces and providing support for work-related stress management. Employers can also contribute to their employees' financial health by offering comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, paid time off, family care benefits, and retirement plans.
By prioritising the safety and health of their employees, organisations can create a positive and engaging work environment, leading to higher employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
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Leadership and engagement
Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a culture that values employee engagement. Leaders should encourage employees to feel connected to the organisation's purpose and understand their contribution. This involves providing a strategic framework, including the company's mission, vision, and values, while empowering employees to make decisions about their work. Leaders should also ensure employees feel respected and valued, with opportunities for growth and development.
Additionally, leaders should focus on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, promoting gender equality and providing training to address gender-based harassment. This commitment to equality and respect fosters a positive work culture and enhances the organisation's reputation.
Engagement is a critical aspect of being an employer of choice. Organisations should strive to create a culture where employees feel involved and valued. This includes encouraging suggestions, innovation, and participation in committees and relevant meetings. Gallup research highlights that engaged employees often have strong connections with their coworkers, indicating the importance of cultural fit in recruitment.
Furthermore, employee recognition is a powerful tool for engagement. Organisations should integrate recognition into their culture and daily employee experiences, celebrating a variety of accomplishments. Regular recognition communicates to employees that their efforts are seen and appreciated, reducing turnover and enhancing talent retention.
By focusing on strong leadership and engagement, organisations can create a positive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment, contributing to their reputation as an employer of choice in Australia.
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Diversity and inclusion
Employers of choice embrace diversity and promote inclusion in their workplaces. They create a safe and healthy workplace environment and offer support and guidance to their employees. This includes caring about the employee's physical, emotional, social, and financial health, helping them feel included, connected, and balanced.
Organisations that are employers of choice foster a culture of employee recognition, which is a powerful strategy to attract, engage, and retain talent. Regular recognition makes employees feel valued and appreciated. This can be achieved through simple employee recognition software or more robust programs that celebrate work anniversaries, recognise extra effort, and have senior leader support.
Additionally, employers of choice provide employees with a sense of purpose, opportunity, and appreciation. They offer development opportunities for continuous learning, growth, and excellence in their fields. This includes upskilling at all levels, enabling employees to contribute to meaningful work, feel challenged, and have a voice in the organisation.
Cultural fit is also considered in recruitment, resulting in a workforce where coworkers like and enjoy working with each other. This fosters a positive work culture and enhances the reputation of the organisation as a great place to work.
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Frequently asked questions
An employer of choice is a business or organisation that people actively choose to work for. These employers stand out from the crowd and are considered a 'great place to work'.
There are no universal professional or legal standards for employers of choice in Australia. However, some key features include:
- Creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace culture.
- Providing employees with purpose, opportunity, appreciation, and development opportunities.
- Offering comprehensive benefits packages, such as health insurance, paid time off, and family care benefits.
- Embracing diversity and promoting gender equality.
- Recognising employees' efforts and providing regular feedback.
Being an employer of choice can help organisations attract and retain top talent. It leads to higher employee engagement and productivity, resulting in better business outcomes and long-term growth.
Organisations can focus on creating a positive workplace culture, offering comprehensive benefits, and recognising and appreciating their employees. They can also apply for awards, such as the Employer of Choice Awards, to gain recognition and benchmark themselves against top performers.
Yes, the Australian Business Awards (ABA) include the Employer of Choice Awards. These awards recognise organisations across various sectors in Australia for their achievements in areas like organisational culture, leadership, employee development, and satisfaction.
