Monster Poll Finds Job Seekers Desire Fulfillment over Brands/Innovative Offices

 A recent international poll conducted by Monster reveals that “cool” brands and innovative office design are as not important factors to respondents when considering a new job. Respondents are most excited by the opportunity to work in an industry they are passionate about, or the opportunity to work with people they professionally admire.

Monster Inc. asked visitors of its job market platform the question, “Aside from salary, benefits and location, which of the following would most likely attract you to a new job?” Of the over 2,400 replies:

• 61 percent of respondents answered, “The opportunity to work in an industry I’m passionate about.”

• 17 percent of respondents answered, “The opportunity to work with people I professionally admire.”

• 13 percent of respondents answered, “A lively/energetic office environment.”

• 6 percent of respondents answered, “The opportunity to work for an aspirational/‘cool’ brand.”

• 3 percent of respondents answered, “An innovative office design.”

North American respondents were the most excited by working with people they professionally admire with 21 percent selecting this option, with most other regions averaging around 10 percent. Respondents from the U.S. were disinterested in innovative office design with just 2 percent selecting this option, compared to slightly higher interest from European countries, such as France (5 percent) and the Netherlands (7 percent). European respondents also had elevated response rates favoring a lively work environment: 20 percent of French, Dutch and Italian respondents selected this option while only 11 percent of respondents from the Americas were concerned with their offices’ energy levels.

“Job seekers are naturally most concerned about salary, benefits and convenience to their home,” Mary Ellen Slayter, career advice expert for Monster, said. “But once that’s settled, the intangibles come into play. People are craving ways to bring meaning to their work, and they want to work in an industry they feel passionate about. Employers can take an active role in supporting these positive feelings by helping people see the connection between the work they do and how it benefits others. No fancy office can replace that sense of satisfaction.”