What are employee expectations?

Employee expectations refer to what employees anticipate from their organisation, team, or role, shaping their overall job satisfaction.

When a company meets these expectations, employees are more likely to have a positive experience, leading to higher engagement, satisfaction, productivity, customer loyalty, and retention.

Examples of employee expectations

Modern employees seek more than just a paycheque. They value purpose, growth, autonomy, and recognition. Here’s are some examples of what matters most to today’s Australian workforce:

1. Meaningful work

Employees want to feel their work has purpose. A strong company mission fosters engagement and motivation. Even if your company’s purpose isn’t obvious, regular communication about business goals and impact can help employees find meaning in their roles.

2. Positive workplace culture

A company’s culture shapes how employees connect with their work and colleagues. Clear core values and a strong mission create a sense of belonging and community, reinforcing employees’ commitment to the organisation.

3. Strong onboarding

A poor onboarding experience is a top reason employees leave within six months. A well-structured onboarding process sets expectations, reinforces company values, and ensures new hires feel welcomed and prepared for success.

4. Career growth and development

Employees want opportunities to learn and advance. Providing training, mentorship, and career development programs enhances engagement and reduces turnover. Companies that invest in employee growth gain a competitive edge in retention.

5. Effective leadership

Poor leadership drives employees to seek new jobs. Strong managers foster a positive work environment by embodying company values, offering support, and continuously improving their management skills.

6. Autonomy and trust

Employees value the freedom to manage their work without micromanagement. Granting autonomy shows trust, improves motivation, and encourages innovation. A culture of independence leads to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

7. Recognition and appreciation

Simple acts of recognition such as a “thank you” or a peer recognition program boost engagement and morale. Acknowledging employees’ contributions strengthens workplace relationships and reinforces company values.

How to meet employee expectations

To meet and anticipate employee expectations, take a proactive approach:

Set clear expectations

Establishing clear expectations from day one is key to performance and job satisfaction.

Define roles and responsibilities

Clearly outline job duties to ensure employees understand their responsibilities. Use onboarding sessions, 1:1 meetings, and documented resources (e.g., handbooks, checklists) to reinforce expectations.

Prioritise communication

Regular team meetings, written feedback, and goal-setting keep expectations clear and aligned with company objectives. Provide measurable targets so employees can track their progress confidently.

Consistent communication and defined goals ensure employees stay engaged and perform effectively.

Gather employee feedback

Regularly seek input through manager conversations and formal surveys (engagement, pulse, or 360 surveys) to understand employee needs.

Measure & act on feedback

Employees feel more engaged when their input is valued. Use surveys to assess current policies, gauge interest in new initiatives, and identify areas for improvement.

Track Progress & Adjust

Analyse survey data to implement meaningful changes. Reassess through follow-up surveys to ensure improvements align with employee expectations over time.

What are the typical employer expectations of employees?

Employers have certain expectations beyond job responsibilities, influencing workplace culture and productivity. Here are 10 common expectations and how to meet them:

Positive and productive attitude

A positive attitude fosters a supportive workplace and boosts morale. Focus on aspects of your job you enjoy, set personal goals, and use constructive language to maintain motivation.

Professional appearance

Dress appropriately for your role to uphold the company’s image. Follow dress codes, maintain good hygiene, and seek clarification from a supervisor if unsure.

Punctuality and reliability

Being on time reflects professionalism and respect for workplace expectations. Plan ahead by setting alarms, preparing the night before, and accounting for travel time.

Dependability

Employers value employees they can trust to complete tasks efficiently. Stay organised, meet deadlines, and be adaptable when priorities shift.

Team support and collaboration

Helping colleagues demonstrates leadership and teamwork. Offer assistance, actively listen, and provide constructive feedback to strengthen workplace relationships.

Growth and ambition

Show initiative by seeking new challenges, volunteering for tasks, and continuously developing your skills. This demonstrates eagerness to grow within the company.

Effective communication

Clear, professional communication minimises misunderstandings. Express ideas concisely, listen actively, and provide context when sharing suggestions.

Meeting deadlines

Consistently meeting deadlines keeps operations smooth. Prioritise tasks, set reminders, and plan time effectively to stay on track.

Self-motivation

Employers appreciate proactive employees who complete tasks independently. Break projects into smaller steps, set personal goals, and track progress to maintain focus.

Continuous improvement

Mistakes are learning opportunities. Identify areas for growth, apply feedback, and embrace a mindset of continuous self-development.

Next steps

The workplace is evolving, and so are employee expectations. By offering growth opportunities, purpose-driven work, and a positive environment, you can attract and retain top talent. Exceeding employee expectations fosters mutual growth and long-term success.

Download the full report to understand Australian employee expectations even further. 

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