NEW YORK — The pandemic has affected many aspects of Americans’ lives, including what they prioritize at work. Now, more people than ever are saying, “show me the money!” A survey of 2,000 adults, who are either employed or currently looking for work, reveals that 71 percent say their workplace priorities have actively changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When asked which parts of their job have become more important, salary tops the list (76%), followed by having a company health care plan (58%) and having flexible work options (55%). Rounding out the top five aspects are the workplace environment — whether it’s in an office, at home or hybrid (also 55%) — and the job itself (54%).
Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress, the study also found people are taking their employers’ values into consideration when deciding to stay or leave a job.
Working for a company whose values they agree with (52%) and working for a company that gives back (52%) have both become more important for respondents in the wake of the pandemic.
For three in four people, working for a company they believe in is more of a priority now than ever before. Another seven in 10 add they’re more likely to enjoy their jobs if they work for a company that values sustainability and eco-consciousness.
“Good climate and sustainability policies are good business policies,” says Avocado Green Mattress’ Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder Mark Abrials, in a statement. “Not only do they help stabilize our supply chains and create a more resilient economy and healthier planet for all, but we know that championing these values helps retain employees and improve morale, too.”
‘The Great Resignation’ is not over
After seeing how workplace priorities have shifted during the pandemic, the survey also asked Americans about the trend of employees voluntarily resigning from their jobs en masse.
On average, respondents expect “The Great Resignation” to continue for almost another six months. There may be an unexpected benefit from this trend: 70 percent of respondents are hopeful that The Great Resignation will encourage companies to be more sustainable and eco-conscious, so they could keep their employees from leaving.
This might tie into the fact that 75 percent believe companies and corporations have a responsibility to take ethical and environmentally friendly actions.
Thirty-seven percent have even left a job because it was not “ethical” or environmentally friendly — which compares to 31 percent in a 2019 survey run by OnePoll and Avocado Green Mattress on a similar topic.
In the 2022 survey, 44 percent say they’d be willing to take a pay cut to work at an ethical and environmentally friendly company, compared to 52 percent in the 2019 survey, perhaps reflecting how salary has become more important since the pandemic.
Of those open to taking a pay cut to work at an ethical and environmentally friendly company, respondents in this year’s survey are open to taking a slightly larger deduction — 34 percent, versus 30 percent in the 2019 survey.
“We know what’s at stake, which is why we’re climate-neutral certified and a member of 1% For the Planet,” Abrials adds. “These trends show what we all already know: on behalf of people and the planet — we all need to take action now.”