The time of using ping pong tables and advertising free fruit in the office to win over candidates is over.
In 2025, job seekers are seeking a lot more than minimal effort perks. People aren’t looking for gimmicks anymore, they’re looking for meaning and mission. They want to work for organisations whose values match their own, where flexibility is a given and where the culture feels real and genuine.
And for employers, this isn’t just a trend, it’s the new standard.
In the UK, 45% of candidates say a sense of purpose in their role is now a top priority (up from 29% in 2024), and 43% are looking for a company culture that reflects their own values.
That’s not a nice to have. Values led recruitment isn’t optional anymore. So if you can’t show exactly why you do what you do, the best candidates are going to go somewhere else.
Hybrid working, flexible hours and clear career paths aren’t perks anymore. They are a baseline. Over 71% of UK workers say flexible working is important when considering a new role. And it’s a big risk - 4 million UK employees changed careers due to a lack of flexibility and 2 million left jobs in the past year for the same reason.
But culture matters too. 41% of jobseekers want flexible hours but only 13% of job adverts list them. Candidates can spot the gap between words in a job ad and reality, and they’re driven to move on if they don’t like what they see.
If you’re wondering how to do this without a big budget, our recent blog How to Retain Top Talent on a Budget covers five practical steps you can take today.
The employers who build cultures of trust, inclusion and social impact are the ones who will come out on top in 2025. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it works.
People want to say, “I work somewhere that makes a real difference”. And in a world where skilled candidates have more choice than ever, organisations that get it right will attract and retain the top talent.
At Moxie, we help organisations to future-proof their recruitment and connect with top, purpose-driven candidates.
We work with values-led employers across social housing, the third sector, asset services and sustainability, helping them to tell their story, stand out amongst the crows, and find people who want more than just pay.
Because recruitment done right isn’t just about filling seats. It’s about building stronger communities.
Small changes like these show candidates who you are before they even apply to the role.
Perks are nice, but they don’t build loyalty. Values, culture, and impact do. Ready to attract purpose-driven people who stay, grow and deliver impact?
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