
When leaders of any organization think about how they got to where they are, it all comes down to finding the right opportunities at the right time. Whether you lead an industry or a small startup, promoting worthwhile opportunities to your employees helps everyone grow!
To show both sides of this equation, Top Applicant is looking into what employees want for their future and what employers need to do to help.
3 Needs for a Fulfilling Career
The top companies we’re watching help their employees achieve their career goals in unique ways, but the benefits all relate back to 3 key elements.
As we look into some successful companies, we find that skills, purpose and empowerment are high priorities for employees that go beyond a paycheck. These are some ways companies are fostering conversations about all three.
1. Skills
Walmart sees their employees as more than just another blue vest. Since 2018, this retail giant has elevated the earning potential and expertise of their workforce with the Live Better U program.
Through this program, Walmart can train any interested employees for advanced roles that typically require college degrees. With over 50 short-form degrees and certificates, these pathways lead to more lucrative career opportunities and more enjoyable lives outside of work!
2. Purpose
As we look deeper into the nation’s top employers and their relationship with their team, we also found a driving factor of purpose. Patagonia is a great example of linking purpose in the work every employee does.
With multiple employee-supported initiatives that focus on environmental sustainability, they align corporate values with the personal values of their workers. This instills a deep sense of purpose in every level of the company!

3. Growth
Staying at the forefront of technology requires a massive investment in human capital. To make the most of this investment, Google famously elevates employees from within! By refocusing their efforts on non-monetary incentives, Google can give their employees career opportunities beyond a bigger salary.
They identify personal and professional goals for their teams and prioritize desirable experiences over pay raises. With intrinsic motivations like more PTO or opportunities for advancement, companies can align their offerings with the recognition employees want, creating a better workplace for everyone.
Learn more about going beyond a paycheck in our related read.
Adding Value to the Highest Paying Jobs
Grow With Us
Every employee deserves more than just a job to pay the bills. To meet the next generation of career builders, you need more than just another job posting platform!
With our innovative features, Top Applicant is opening up a whole new world of hiring to forward-thinking companies. Grow your talent pool, elevate excellence, and put the human element back in human resources by signing in!