In its annual study, ADPRI's survey of more than 32,000 workers, including the gig economy, from 17 countries, uncovered both the remarkable global consistency of employee sentiment on the transformed workplace, as well as the pandemic's unique impact in local markets. In a period of sustained disruption and uncertainty, the findings expose the seismic shift in employee expectations of the workplace as compared to pre-pandemic. The study reveals a new prioritization among employees that extends beyond salary and a few perks to a complete package that aligns with their personal values, redefines what job security means, prioritizes their well-being and encourages flexibility. These findings, among a long and varied list of needs and expectations, can help to guide employers in their approach to deliver on what the workforce deems most important.

"The pandemic signaled a paradigm shift as today's workers re-evaluate the presence of work in their lives, and the stakes have never been higher for employers," said Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP. "Our research highlights the extent to which employees' views of work changed, now prioritizing a wider and deeper range of factors that are more personal in nature. With recruitment and retention among the most business-critical issues, these revelations offer both a challenge and an opportunity for employers as they seek to keep workers engaged and fulfilled."