In today’s evolving business landscape, the role of the CEO has transcended beyond setting corporate strategy and hitting financial targets. Employees are looking for more than just a figurehead; they want a leader who is not only capable but relatable, inspiring, and aligned with their values. At bpesearch, we work with businesses to ensure you have the right leaders for your organisation, leaders who understand and embody what employees truly seek. Here’s what modern employees want from their CEO.
1. Clear and Transparent Communication
Effective communication remains at the core of strong leadership. Employees expect CEOs to articulate the company’s vision and direction clearly and consistently. Whether it’s through all-staff emails, town hall meetings, or casual one-on-one interactions, transparency fosters trust.
Beyond broadcasting the big picture, employees want their CEO to acknowledge challenges and be open about the realities the business faces. This openness encourages engagement and fosters a culture of inclusion, where team members feel like they’re a part of something greater than themselves.
Often, even the threat of instability within a business can cause people to jump ship and whilst instability can sometimes be inevitable, a CEO that is transparent will go a long way in ensuring a business can weather a storm.
2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
While strategic acumen is critical, emotional intelligence has emerged as a key quality that employees seek in their CEO. Empathy is particularly crucial in times of uncertainty, whether during market downturns, organisational changes, or even personal employee hardships.
CEOs who demonstrate empathy build stronger relationships with their teams. Employees want leaders who show an understanding of their experiences, acknowledge their contributions, and take into account the human impact of business decisions. The era of the aloof, distant CEO is over; employees gravitate towards leaders who care.
3. A Vision Beyond Profit
A CEO must have a compelling vision that goes beyond hitting financial targets. Employees, especially in today’s purpose-driven world, want to work for organisations that stand for something meaningful. This vision should integrate business growth with positive social and environmental impact.
A CEO’s ability to inspire and unite employees around a higher purpose can drive performance. Whether it’s a commitment to sustainability, diversity, or community engagement, a leader who champions these causes will build stronger teams and foster loyalty.
4. Approachability and Authenticity
Employees want to feel that they can connect with their CEO on a human level. Approachability and authenticity go hand-in-hand. A CEO who is visible, accessible, and authentic will build a sense of trust and openness across the organisation.
Whether through casual conversations or more structured settings, employees want to know that their thoughts and concerns are being heard by the top leader. An authentic CEO doesn’t hide behind corporate jargon but speaks with sincerity, whether delivering good news or addressing difficult realities.
5. Decisiveness Coupled with Collaboration
Decisiveness is a traditional hallmark of leadership, but employees today also value a CEO who is collaborative. The ability to make tough calls is essential, but employees want to be part of the decision-making process. They seek a CEO who consults and values input before moving forward.
This balance of decisiveness and collaboration ensures that employees feel respected and that their opinions matter, even if they aren’t the final decision-makers. Leaders who involve their teams in shaping the company’s future build stronger, more cohesive work environments.
6. A Commitment to Growth and Development
Career development is a top priority for many employees, and they look to the CEO to promote a culture of continuous learning. Employees want to work in organisations where they can grow professionally, and they seek a CEO who values development, both at the individual and organisational levels.
This commitment goes beyond offering training programs—it’s about fostering an environment where employees feel supported in their growth. CEOs who promote mentorship, encourage upskilling, and invest in leadership pipelines demonstrate a forward-thinking mindset that resonates with ambitious professionals.
7. Integrity and Ethical Leadership
Perhaps the most fundamental trait employees look for in a CEO is integrity. Employees want to work for organisations where ethics and values matter, and that starts from the top. A CEO who leads with integrity sets the tone for the entire company culture.
Ethical leadership means more than just avoiding scandal—it’s about making principled decisions, even when it’s difficult. Employees respect leaders who prioritise the well-being of the company, its people, and the broader community over short-term gains.
8. Resilience in the Face of Challenges
No company is immune to crises, and employees want to know that their CEO can steer the ship during turbulent times. However, beyond just being tough, employees expect CEOs to be resilient and adaptable. Whether dealing with economic downturns or operational hurdles, employees want a leader who stays calm under pressure, adjusts when needed, and provides reassurance.
At the same time, they appreciate a CEO who can turn challenges into learning opportunities and come out stronger on the other side. Employees find security in knowing that their leader can handle whatever comes their way.
The modern CEO needs to be a blend of strategist, visionary, and human. Employees don’t just want someone who can lead a business—they want someone who understands, listens, and shares their values. At bpesearch, we work with businesses to ensure you have the right leaders for your organisation—leaders who are in tune with what today’s employees truly want.
