In recent months, we’ve seen a clear shift in what motivates candidates to change careers. While salary and benefits are still important, more candidates are prioritising work culture and company environment when considering new roles. This shift isn’t just happening on the candidate side; businesses are also placing greater emphasis on understanding and cultivating company culture.
Up to 73% of job-seekers say they would only apply if the company’s values align with theirs.
The Search for Stability and Alignment
Ongoing restructuring and uncertainty across industries have left employees feeling unsettled, prompting many to seek opportunities in environments where they feel supported, valued, and aligned with the company’s values. Stability has become a key factor, with candidates searching for workplaces that foster personal and professional growth.
A survey found that 42% of workers are actively considering quitting, citing poor work-life balance, low pay and toxic company culture among the top reasons.
Leadership and Environment Over Job Titles
This trend reinforces what we’ve observed for some time: people leave managers and work environments, not just jobs. The leadership style and environment often drive the decision to move on, not the role itself. Candidates are increasingly seeking companies with stronger leadership, clear communication, and a collaborative culture, particularly in times of change. In some cases, they’re even willing to accept lower compensation in exchange for an environment that better matches their values.
Research indicates employees are 10.4 times more likely to leave a job because of a toxic company culture than because of pay.
What’s Driving This Shift
Several key factors have contributed to this shift: post-pandemic workplace changes, the growing importance of transparency in leadership, mental health and wellbeing awareness, and generational expectations. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are prioritising Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and are looking for companies with a strong social responsibility agenda.
The Business Opportunity in Culture
For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. A strong company culture is now essential in attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that foster a supportive, transparent, and growth-oriented culture are more likely to stand out in today’s competitive market. Conversely, businesses without a defined culture or those that fail to communicate their values risk disengagement, high turnover, and difficulty attracting the right talent. A well-aligned culture is not just a “nice to have”; it’s critical for both employee retention and business growth.
83% of employees who rate their workplace culture as “good” or “excellent” are motivated to produce high-quality work — compared to just 45% of those in poor culture environments.
The Recruiter’s Role in Culture Fit
As recruiters, our role goes beyond simply matching candidates with jobs — it is also to help them find environments where they can thrive. Understanding culture fit is just as important as assessing skills and experience. For candidates, the message is clear: choose a company that aligns with your values and offers the right environment for your success.
How Morgan Latif Can Help
At Morgan Latif, we specialise in helping candidates find companies that align with their cultural values and supporting businesses in refining and strengthening their workplace culture. If you’re looking for a candidate who fits not only the job description but also your team’s values — or if you need help improving your workplace culture — connect with Amelia Knibbs to find out more.
