Insight

Looking for more: Employee expectations are on the rise

Insights from the American worker survey | Summer 2022 pulse

Following the recent unprecedented disruption to the American workplace, organizations are now considering what changes worked, what didn’t, and what needs to be done to ensure that employees are satisfied, engaged, and committed.

At the same time, much of the workforce is reassessing the approach they want to take to their work life and careers, their loyalty to their organization, and what they expect from their employer. While financial reward is still a top priority, they are thinking more holistically about their experience at work, and the benefits that they prioritize.

To get at the heart of American worker sentiment and explore key actions that employers can take to help build the best possible employee experience and retain talent in a competitive marketplace, read our report.

Topics include:

  • Remote work is important but not the panacea.
  • The “Great Reconsideration” is underway.
  • Work-life balance and benefits are top reasons to stay at an organization.
  • Employees want clearer career pathways.
  • Digital tools have yet to deliver on personal productivity.
  • Job connection to an organizations' purpose is clear; connection to sponsors and advocates is weaker.
  • More can be done on ESG.

Key findings

Work-life balance is increasingly important. 

  • 90% of respondents said work-life balance is an important factor if they are looking for a new employer. 
  • 36% said the inability to maintain work-life balance is a top reason to make them want to leave their organization. It is the second reason behind a noncompetitive financial package. 

One-third (33%) of workers say their happiness at work has decreased, of which 57% are actively thinking about looking to leave their employer.

Workplace preferences among American workers are evenly spread:

  • 27% fully in the office or on premise
  • 23% mostly in the office or on premise with some remote work
  • 23% mostly remote work with some office or on premise time
  • 26% fully remote work

Digital has yet to deliver. Seventy-two percent (72%) of respondents say they have modern digital tools that enable them to be more productive, yet only 42% say their personal productivity has significantly or somewhat increased.

About the survey

KPMG conducted an online survey of more than 2,250 full-time and part-time workers (not including contract/temporary workers) during May and June 2022 across a range of industries and company sizes. All industries were included, but the following were targeted: healthcare and life sciences, consumer and retail, energy, financial services, TMT, industrial manufacturing, and government.

 

Connect with KPMG

Lisa Massman

Lisa Massman

Principal, Human Capital Advisory Leader, KPMG US

+1 213-955-1524
Felicia Lyon

Felicia Lyon

Principal, Human Capital Advisory, KPMG US

+1 406-425-5878