When it comes to deciding on a job, what factors do you consider? 

For the salary nomads among us, it’s all about the money. For others, it might be the guarantee of flexible working, a job description that allows opportunities for creativity or a host of perks. 

But how about the workplace’s values? According to new research, that’s become increasingly important to Gen Z and millennial workers. LinkedIn found that more than half (58%) of UK professionals wouldn’t work for a company that doesn’t share their values… and not even a pay rise would change their minds. 

While salary is still important (unsurprisingly), that alone might not be enough to attract younger workers or keep them around. The survey found that 90% of Gen Z and millennials have considered or are considering leaving a job for a company that better aligns with their values. 

What values might those be, you may wonder? It’s all about work-life balance, opportunities for career growth and diversity and inclusion, all of which topped the list of workers’ priorities. 

As a result of this shift, more workplaces are mentioning these values in their job listings.  Globally, LinkedIn data finds that entry-level job ads referencing culture and values have increased by 154% over the past two years, with mentions of work-life balance jumping the most.

That can pay off. Job postings that mention values like culture, flexibility and wellbeing receive nearly three times more views and twice as many applications today than they did two years ago.

But of course, workplaces can’t just mention these values – they need to actually walk the walk, lest they be accused of perkwashing or diversity dishonesty. Fail to deliver on the values, and companies risk losing staff. The research found that 55% of professionals have started a role at a new company only to be disappointed by their employer’s actions – and in response, over a third have subsequently quit their job. 

In reaction to the importance of aligned values, LinkedIn has launched a new job search filter that allows people to search out job opportunities based on the values that matter most to them. 

Charlotte Davies, LinkedIn’s career expert, says: “Over the past 20 years, LinkedIn has had a front-row seat to the jobs market and how it has evolved. Today, we can see that the huge impact the pandemic had on how and where we work is still being felt – people have a strong sense of what is important to them and what they want from their career. 

“While salary is still the biggest factor – particularly as we navigate the cost of living crisis in the UK – we can see that many UK professionals are not prepared to compromise on their values, and things like opportunities for growth and a visible commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, can be just as much of a deal-breaker. Our new job search filter will help people to find not only the right role for them but the right organisation aligned to their values.”

Images: Getty