Let’s flip the script for a moment. Instead of asking, “What do candidates want now?”
A better question might be, “What are great organisations already doing that top talent can’t ignore?”
Because in 2026, the organisations attracting and retaining exceptional people aren’t guessing. They’re not scrambling. And they’re definitely not competing on salary alone.
They’ve already evolved. They’ve listened. And they’ve built environments where people genuinely want to stay and grow.
So what are these organisations offering that makes top talent lean in?
Let’s break it down.
A clear story about who they are and what they stand for
Great organisations know who they are, and they’re not shy about sharing it. They don’t rely on vague statements like “great culture” or “supportive environment”. Instead, they clearly articulate:
• What they value
• How they work together
• What kind of people thrive there
• What makes them different
This clarity creates confidence. Employees feel proud to belong. Candidates instantly understand whether the organisation aligns with their values. That clarity is the foundation of a strong EVP, and it’s one of the biggest differentiators in 2026.
Purpose that feels real, not rehearsed
Top talent in 2026 wants to know their work matters.
Great organisations don’t just talk about purpose, they live it. Employees can clearly see how their role contributes to the bigger picture, whether that’s through customers, community, innovation, or impact.
Purpose doesn’t have to be grand or world changing. It just has to be authentic. When people understand why they do what they do, engagement follows naturally.
Growth that’s visible and supported
The best organisations don’t make people chase development opportunities. They build them into the experience. They offer:
• Clear pathways for progression
• Regular career conversations
• Access to learning and skill building
• Exposure to new projects and ideas
• Leaders who actively champion growth
Top talent stays where they can see a future. Growth isn’t a promise tucked into a performance review. It’s part of everyday culture.
Flexibility that’s built on trust
In 2026, flexibility isn’t a perk. It’s a given. Great organisations understand that flexibility is about trust, not location. They focus on outcomes, not hours. They recognise that people perform best when they’re trusted to manage their time and energy in a way that works for them.
Flexibility looks different across teams and roles, but what matters is that it’s practical, consistent, and genuinely supported by leadership. When flexibility is real, loyalty grows.
Leadership that feels human
One of the biggest differentiators for top talent is leadership. Great organisations invest in leaders who are:
• Self aware
• Clear communicators
• Open to feedback
• Consistent in behaviour
• Comfortable leading through change
Employees don’t just stay for roles or brands. They stay for leaders who listen, support, and show up authentically. In 2026, leadership style is part of the EVP, whether organisations realise it or not.
Wellbeing that’s woven into how work happens
Wellbeing is no longer a standalone initiative. It’s embedded in how work is designed.
Great organisations support wellbeing by:
• Setting realistic expectations
• Encouraging sustainable performance
• Respecting boundaries
• Normalising conversations about mental health
• Supporting people through busy and challenging periods
Top talent wants to succeed, but not at the expense of their health. Organisations that prioritise wellbeing earn long term commitment, not short term output.
A culture people are proud to talk about
When culture is strong, people talk. They share stories. They recommend their workplace. They bring others with them.
Great organisations bring their culture to life through their people. They celebrate wins. They highlight team stories. They communicate openly. They create a sense of belonging that people want to be part of. This is where EVP becomes powerful, when culture is not just stated, but felt.
Why this matters more than ever in 2026
Top talent has more choice than ever. They’re selective. They’re informed. And they’re paying attention. The organisations winning in 2026 aren’t the loudest. They’re the clearest.
They know who they are.
They communicate it consistently.
And they back it up with action.
That’s what makes their EVP magnetic.
How FutureYou helps organisations bring this to life
At FutureYou, we work with organisations to uncover and amplify what they already do well.
Our EVP service helps businesses:
• Clearly define their employer story
• Identify what truly attracts and retains their people
• Bring culture to life through authentic messaging
• Align leadership behaviour with EVP pillars
• Communicate consistently across recruitment and retention touchpoints
The result is an EVP that feels genuine, confident, and compelling. Because in 2026, great organisations don’t chase talent. They attract it by being clear about who they are.
FutureYou | The power to connect
FutureYou is a boutique recruitment agency in Australia specialising in holistic talent solutions including Specialist Recruitment, Contracting, Executive Search, and Talent Advisory. Our EVP services help organisations showcase what makes them great places to work, attracting and retaining exceptional talent in a competitive market.
