Professional candidates seeking flexibility, a less demanding workload, and a nicer culture.

In my last article, I looked at research which shows Culture, Flexibility, Purpose and Financial Security matter most to professionals in 2024. To get a more in-depth understanding of the candidate experience and what executives are looking for in the current market, I spoke with Jenny, who I recently placed in the role of Financial Accountant at Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA).

Barry: Why were you looking for a new job and what were the factors that were important to you in this process?

Jenny: I was experiencing burn out which became unsustainable, so I started looking for a new role as I needed a change. The most important factors for me were flexibility, a less demanding workload, and a nicer culture.

How did the team at Slade Executive support you in helping you find a role that aligned with what you were looking for?

Barry and I met over Zoom, and we had an in-depth conversation about what exactly what it was that I was looking for in a new role. He took on board everything that I said and found me a role in a company that aligned perfectly. The whole process made me feel at ease knowing that he understood what I was about and what I was after.

What was it that stood out to you about this particular company and role?

Between my conversations with Barry and Simon (the hiring manager at AHSA), it became apparent that the organisation valued their employees, and that culture was important to them. When I interviewed with Simon, he spoke highly of other leaders, as well as all the AHSA employees, which was a big factor in influencing my decision making. Not to mention that they were accommodating when it came to agreeing on my new work hours.

How would you describe the culture of the company? Is it the same for you now as what you believed it would be when you accepted the role?

The culture at AHSA is how I thought it would be, everyone at AHSA is genuine, friendly, and caring. It’s a company that continually supports their employees which plays a big part in sustaining a healthy work environment.

What do you enjoy most about your new role? Are there any initiatives that your company does around culture that really stand out to you?

I enjoy that I have work/life balance and working with the internal team in a collaborative manner. Also, the fact that I have been provided with flexibility has been a game changer. On occasion we have team collaboration days, lunches, and after work drinks which are always fun and it’s great to put the tools down and get to know everyone on a more personal level.

What has your experience been like as a candidate in the current job market? Please let us know in the comments below, and join the conversation about the evolving world of work.