74% of job applicants in Morocco placed training and career development among their most-wanted employment benefits

In an era when talent is scarce and employers are scrambling to fill key positions, many candidates feel like they have a chance to land their dream job. But what are applicants looking for when they evaluate a role, and what can companies do to make their employer brand more attractive in this challenging market?

 To find out, [Michael Page] surveyed over 180 employees and jobseekers across Morocco. We asked them about the kind of contracts they preferred, their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), their ideal work arrangements and more. Read on to discover what turns a good job into a dream job.

Landing the right contract

After two years of COVID disruptions, it’s no surprise that our respondents placed a high value on stability. When asked what type of contract they were willing to consider for their next position, a full 79% said they would prefer a permanent position. 16% said they would be happy with any kind of position, while only 18% said they would like a temporary or fixed-term contract.

Finding the perfect-sized company

Respondents were asked to choose their ideal company size: small, middle or large. Preferences were split, with large sized companies the top choice (50%) followed by middle companies (chosen by 33% of respondents) and small companies (14%).  

Candidates who prefer large companies seem to be mostly motivated by the chance to accelerate their professional development and earn a better salary. Of the respondents who preferred large companies, (42%) were drawn by promotion opportunities, while clearer vision of strategy and better remuneration were highlighted by 36% and 33% of these respondents, respectively.

Why do candidates gravitate towards middle-sized companies? Of the respondents who preferred middle-sized companies, over a third (34%) highlighted that fast decision-making and more autonomy in managing tasks is what they believe is a hallmark of these organisations. Other advantages identified by these respondents includes better quality of life (work environment, atmosphere, etc.) by 26% and more training opportunities (23%).

While small companies were the least favoured option, the responses make clear that these organisations have several unique advantages. Clearer vision of strategy and results was highlighted by 40% of the respondents who preferred small companies, while 32% were attracted to more autonomy in managing their own tasks. Just (20%) of respondents drawn to small companies liked working in a ‘human-sized’ company.

Getting the benefits you need

In today’s knowledge economy, jobseekers are focused on acquiring the skills they need to succeed. No surprise, then, that a full 74% of respondents placed training and career development among their most-wanted employment benefits. This was followed by private healthcare for employees and their families — a top priority for over half (57%) of respondents. Other benefits that make a difference include financial advantages (chosen by 49% of those surveyed), a company car (also 47%) and company-issued devices (22%).

Working for a socially responsible employer

These days, candidates aren’t just looking for a salary boost and career development opportunities. (69%) of survey respondents said they wanted to work for a company committed to corporate social responsibility or CSR. Asked to identify the most important CSR values, 47% chose environmental responsibility, while human rights and economic responsibility were both highlighted by 46%.

Flexible work arrangements

Millions of employees found themselves working from home for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic — and our survey suggests that a majority would like to continue with this arrangement. Well over half of respondents (52%) said they would like to work remotely either some or all of the time. 

How would candidates like to divide their time between home and office? The most popular arrangement is three days at the office, two days at home, preferred by 37% of respondents. 
Around 28% want to be working remotely full-time, while just 6% would like to work from home at least four days per week. Close to 15% like the idea of spending just one day from home.

The trend for remote working shouldn’t disguise the fact that many employees enjoy working in the office. The key motivation for these workers is the chance to socialise: 48% of respondents highlighted the advantages of having informal meetings with colleagues, while 36% enjoy the kind of social links and relaxing moments that are only possible in an office environment.

Office-based teams may also benefit from greater employee engagement. More than four in 10 respondents (45%) emphasised the importance of face-to-face meetings, while 36% said they felt more engaged with their job when working on-site.

Making dream jobs come true

If you’re determined to find your dream job, [Michael Page] can help. Start your search today by visiting our jobs board. And if you’re an employer looking to hire top talent in your industry and location, don’t hesitate to contact one of our expert recruiters.