Aon Hewitt survey finds employers need to offer top-notch benefits and unique workplace experiences to retain top talent

As the economy continues to improve, so do the chances of your employees looking for new job opportunities in 2016. A new survey from Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), finds 52 percent of employees are open to leaving their current employers for new opportunities. Of these employees, 44 percent are actively looking for new roles.

“Encouraged by low unemployment rates and frustrated with lackluster wage increases, many U.S. workers are looking for new and better jobs,” said Ray Baumruk, employee research leader at Aon Hewitt. In many cases, employees are being selective about the kinds of companies they work for—favoring those that offer exceptional experiences and benefits that align with their personal values.

Aon Hewitt’s Workforce Mindset study, which surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. employees, set out to explore the different characteristics that make an employee’s experience unique and different.  The top five workplace differentiators include:

1. Provides above average pay (62 percent)
2. Provides above average benefits (61 percent)
3. Is a fun place to work (58 percent)
4. Has a flexible work environment (57 percent)
5. Is a strong fit with my values (56 percent)

Aon Hewitt’s research also shows a close link between employees’ employment experiences and their level of engagement. According to the survey data, employees who said their workplace communication is open and honest are nearly 15 times more likely to be engaged than other workers. Additionally, employees who feel encouraged to share ideas and opinions are nearly 11 times more likely to be engaged.

Talent can create a competitive advantage for an organization,” explained Baumruk. “To keep and attract the highest performers, employers need an authentic employee value proposition that sets them apart from competitors. Even more importantly, organizations must listen to their employees to understand and foster a culture where employees’ expectations and desires are closely aligned with the employment experience they offer.