When it comes to attracting and retaining great people, salary and benefits are only part of the equation.

We recently asked our LinkedIn community. "What is the biggest workplace green flag?"

The results were interesting, and one answer stood out clearly.

Trust from leaders - 52%

More than half of respondents chose trust from leaders as the biggest workplace green flag.

Flexible working and clear communication both came in at 21%, while learning opportunities received 6% of the votes.

So, what can we take from this?

Trust matters more than ever

Trust is one of those workplace qualities that can be difficult to define, but incredibly easy to recognise.

For employees, being trusted by leaders can mean having autonomy over how they work, feeling confident making decisions and knowing that their manager believes in their abilities.

It also goes beyond simply being given flexibility. A genuinely trusting workplace gives people the space to take ownership, contribute ideas and get on with their work without feeling like they're constantly being monitored.

For employers, building that trust can have a significant impact on the employee experience.

Flexible working still matters

Coming in joint second was flexible working, with 21% of the vote.

Flexible working has become an important consideration for many candidates when evaluating a potential employer. Whether it's hybrid working, flexible hours or simply having greater autonomy over where and when work gets done, flexibility can make a real difference to someone's experience at work.

However, the poll suggests that flexibility alone may not be enough.

The strongest workplace cultures are likely to combine flexibility with trust - giving employees both the freedom to work in a way that suits them and the confidence that their employer trusts them to deliver.

Clear communication is another key piece

Also receiving 21% of the votes was clear communication.

It's perhaps no surprise that communication continues to feature heavily when people think about a positive workplace.

Employees want to understand what's happening within their organisation, what's expected of them and how their work contributes to wider goals.

For hiring managers, this is also something worth considering during the recuruitment process. Clear communication shouldn't start on an employee's first day. Keeping candidates informed throughout the hiring process can make a strong first impression and set expectations for the relationship that follows.

What about learning opportunities?

Interestingly, just 6% of respondents selected learning opportunities as their biggest workplace green flag. 

That doesn't necessarily mean development isn't important.

Career progression, training and opportunities to learn can still be significant factors when people are deciding whether to stay with an organisation. The result may simply suggest that, when forced to choose one defining characteristic of a great workplace, respondents prioritise the day-to-day relationship they have with their leaders over formal development opportunities. 

What does this mean for employers?

While a LinkedIn poll is only a snapshot of opinion rather than a comprehensive stuyd, the results provide an interesting reminder for employers.

Creating an attractive workplace isn't necessarily about having the longest list of perks. 

Sometimes, the biggest green flags are much simpler.

Trust your people. Communicate clearly. Give them flexibility. Create opportunities for them to grow.

And importantly, these qualities can start during the recruitment process itself.

The way candidates are communicated with, the level of transparency round a role and the expectations set during interviews can all give prospective employees an early indication of what working for an organisation might actually be like.

The bottom line...

Our poll may have started as a bit of fun but it highlights an important point for employers competing for talent.

People don't just want a job. They want to work somewhere they feel trusted, respected and supported.