Unveiling Employee Preferences: A Focus Group Exploration of Employer of Choice Attributes

Abstract

The employer of choice is a highly sought-after position within any organization. It signifies that the company is seen as an attractive employer, preferred by talented individuals. The current study aims to identify the attribute of an organization that contributes to its status as the employer of choice. The research is conducted among information technology (IT) companies, with respondents of various genders and with varying levels of experience. The data collected through semi-directed interviews with employees and analyzed using thematic analysis, which is considered one of the best and accepted methods for analyzing qualitative data. The findings obtained from the respondents reveals that an organization can become an employer of choice due to its competitive compensation and benefits, prioritization of employee satisfaction and well-being, provision of growth and development opportunities, fostering of diversity and inclusion, and promotion of a positive and collaborative company culture. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of retaining and attracting talented employees, which can be achieved with the help of organizational branding. These findings emphasize the significance of considering these factors when designing and implementing strategies to achieve the status of the employer of choice. Additionally, this study highlights the limitations and suggests avenues for further research.