What do candidates in South Africa want in their dream job?

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 400 employees and jobseekers across South Africa. We asked them about the kind of contracts and company sizes 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, 77% said they would prefer a permanent position. Just about a third (32%) said they would like a temporary contract, while 20% would be happy with any kind of position.

Finding the perfect-sized company

Respondents were asked to choose their ideal company size: small, middle or large. Preferences were almost evenly split, with middle-sized companies the top choice (chosen by 42% of respondents) closely followed by large companies (41%) and small companies (15%).

Why do candidates gravitate towards large and medium-sized companies? Of the respondents who preferred large companies, about half (49%) highlighted more opportunities for training and developing greater expertise as a hallmark of these organisations. Other advantages identified by these respondents include better promotion and career opportunities (33%) and a clear strategic vision (25%).

While small companies were the least favoured option, the responses make clear that these organisations have several unique advantages. Accelerated decision-making was highlighted by 55% of the respondents who preferred small companies, while 34% were attracted to the flexibility that comes in a “human-sized” company. Just about 30% of respondents drawn to small companies prefer the quality of life as compared to medium or large organisations.

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 77% of respondents placed training and career development among their most-wanted employment benefits. This was followed by a reliable company pension plan — a top priority for 66%, and private healthcare for employees and their families for over half (60%) of respondents. Other benefits that make a difference include financial advantages (chosen by 49% of those surveyed), life insurance (36%) and company-issued devices – like laptops, smartphones (34%).

Working for a socially responsible employer

These days, candidates aren’t just looking for a salary boost and career development opportunities. Over three-quarters (82%) 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, 95% chose human rights, while environmental responsibility and philanthropic responsibility were highlighted by 92% and 91% of respondents, respectively.

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 (78%) said they would like to work remotely either some or all of the time. Women seem to value flexible arrangements more than men — 62% of the former said they would like to work from home on a part or full-time basis versus 48% of the latter.

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 35% of respondents. Around 22% would prefer a full-time remote role, while just 14% 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 58% of these workers is the chance to attend in-person meetings, 57% prefer to work from the office to feel more engaged with their jobs, while 34% enjoy socialising with colleagues and 24% enjoy social links and relaxing moments that are only possible in an office environment.

Office-based teams may also benefit from a better workspace (17%) which also includes fewer complications of working from home with children or other family members around (15%).

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.