What Do Employees Really Want?

"I give you a paycheck.  What more do you want?"

Well, that's one way to approach leadership and employee morale, albeit maybe not the best.  And it might even work for those employees that no other employers want or who don't have the confidence to look elsewhere.  But if we are talking about the employees you don't want to lose, how about we try a few different alternatives?


The answer to the question in the heading is "it depends."  Unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all approach to keeping good employees.  That's where you need to pay attention and ask a few questions.  All people are different.  Assuming their basic monetary needs are being met, the rest of what drives them and/or keeps them depends on what stage in life they currently are in and what motivates them (i.e. family time, play time, more in their 401K, learning opportunities, or a bigger title).  Believe me when I say "more money is not the be all, end all to keeping employees."


Alternative #1
Show people on a daily basis that they are valued, respected, and heard.  


"How do I do this?" you ask.


Tell them you appreciate how hard they worked on their project.  Put your cell phone down when they call and make eye contact with them.  Don't interrupt them when they speak to you.  Tell them they are an important part of the team. Think about how it would feel if you were valued, respected, and heard and demonstrate those behaviors.  


Alternative #2
Ask them what inspires and motivates them and then do everything in your power to provide opportunities for them.


Alternative #3
Treat them like grown ups with a brain.  


There is nothing more demoralizing than to have a college education and then be told to sort pencils for the day.   This is not motivating.  It's a waste of your company's money, the employee's talent, and what's the point really?


Well, that's a start.  Really, don't all people just want to be appreciated?