Conclusion

Hopefully we now all realise that our employees are demanding and receiving a working deal based on flexibility and freedom. For those who have long predicted a new world of work we now have exactly that: a lifestyle/workstyle world where we all have our own private portfolio of tasks to be accomplished and we complete them in any way we choose, as long as we do deliver.

If your business wants to be seen as a talent magnet you are going to have to build this ability to be naturally flexible into your operational culture. And it must be effected practically subconsciously - it must come naturally to the business.

Let's recap on some of the key trends that are shaping employee expectations of the business they work with, and the challenges that companies who want to hire and hold talent are going to have to meet.

The niche workplace

People are already seeking out workplaces and individual jobs that match their values, expectations, personality and lifestyle/workstyle. Today, there is a broader range than ever to choose from. If you are a high-tech, cool customer, you'll go for a start-up where you can play video games in your downtime. If you are creative, you'll head for a new media organisation in New York or London's Soho. If you are the caring kind, you'll go to a global charity or not-for-profit organisation. Organisations are already turning on the talent magnet by differentiating themselves from others - and letting people know what they stand for, what their values are. Others are, frankly, losing out. So there is a huge need for many to play catch-up. Why? Well it would appear that some organisations (although still in the minority) are getting really good at understanding and embracing the lifestyle/workstyle trend.