The world of work has undergone a dramatic shift since the pandemic—and candidate expectations have evolved just as rapidly. This article explores what professionals are prioritising today, five years on, and what employers need to offer to attract and retain top talent.
The world of work has changed dramatically in the last five years, and with it, so too have candidate expectations.
Back in 2020, many of us found ourselves working from hastily arranged home offices — laptops on kitchen tables, makeshift desks in spare rooms. For those still working through lockdowns, the juggle of childcare, home-schooling, and Zoom calls became part of daily life. Employers responded with flexibility, and that flexibility stuck.
When it came time to return to ‘normal’, many didn’t want to. And employers, for the most part, supported that. People made long-term decisions — relocating, restructuring childcare, or rethinking their routines — all on the understanding that the daily commute wasn’t coming back anytime soon.
For some, the pandemic served as a reset. It became a moment to reflect on whether their work was fulfilling — or even enjoyable. Many chose to make bold moves: switching careers, starting over, or prioritising passion over predictability.
What’s been clear across the board is that the value placed on work-life balance has grown significantly. And now, five years on, it’s one of the most important factors candidates consider when weighing up a new role.
What Do Employees Want in 2025?
Today’s workforce is looking for more than just a paycheque.
Candidates want comprehensive, customisable benefits packages that suit their lifestyle and family needs. A major part of this is flexibility — not just in working hours, but also in where and how they work. Employees want autonomy, and they value employers who trust them to manage their own schedules.
We recently ran a LinkedIn poll asking professionals if they’d leave their current role for a similar one that offered the same salary but better benefits. A conclusive 64% said they would. It's a clear reminder to employers that salary alone won’t cut it — perks, culture, and flexibility now play a key role in attracting and retaining talent.
And while some high-profile companies are calling for a return to the office, many professionals are pushing back. From our conversations with candidates, hybrid working is still the preferred model — providing the right balance of collaboration and autonomy.
How Allen & York Can Help
At Allen & York, we understand that everyone’s situation is different — which is why we take the time to understand both client and candidate. We don’t just fill vacancies; we match people with purpose, ensuring skills and experience align with your business needs.
With expertise across Environment, Energy, Sustainability & ESG, and Health, Safety & Wellbeing, we’re trusted by organisations across the UK and beyond to build skilled, diverse teams that make a real impact.
Whether you're hiring for a niche specialist role or looking to grow your team strategically, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on +44(0)1202 888986
📧 Email us at: hello@allen-york.com