How Managers Can Help Retain Their Best Employees

A major problem for employers today is attracting the best talent, and then retaining key employees. Research shows that the key ingredient for retention lies within the manager's ability to understand what employees really want.

The survey results below first came out in 1946 in Foreman Fact, from the Labor Relations Institute of NY and was produced again by Lawrence Lindahl in Personnel magazine in 1949. This study has since been replicated with similar results by Ken Kovach (1980); Valerie Wilson, Achievers International (1988); Bob Nelson, Blanchard Training & Development (1991); and Sheryl & Don Grimme, GHR Training Solutions (1997-2001).

Pay particular interest to the top three things managers thought employees want from their jobs, and then look at what employees said they REALLY want:

WHAT MANAGERS THINK EMPLOYEES WANT, starting with the most important:

1. Good wages
2. Job Security
3. Promotion and growth opportunities
4. Good working conditions
5. Interesting work
6. Personal loyalty to workers
7. Tactful discipline
8. Full appreciation for work done
9. Sympathetic understanding of personal problems
10. Feeling "in" on things

WHAT EMPLOYEES SAY THEY WANT, starting with the most important:

1. Full appreciation for work done
2. Feeling "in" on things
3. Sympathetic understanding of personal problems
4. Job security
5. Good wages
6. Interesting work
7. Promotion and growth opportunities
8. Personal loyalty to workers
9. Good working conditions
10. Tactful discipline

You can see there is quite a discrepancy. This indicates the value of the "intangible rewards" of appreciation, involvement and understanding. An important benefit is that the top 3 things employees want are all influenced by the relationship with their direct manager or supervisor.

Show your employees you truly value them, and never underestimate how important you are in maintaining a strong workforce and retaining your best talent!

Susan Cullen is President of Quantum Learning Solutions, Inc., based in New Jersey. She has over 15 years experience in Organizational Development and is considered an expert in the use of blended learning methodologies for lasting organizational change. For more information go to http://www.quantumlearn.com or you can reach us at (800) 683-0681.

---

Instantly Uncover Your Corporate Culture

Best Definition of "Corporate Culture"If you ask 10 people to... Read More

Managing Change - Get it Right

In any event, getting the process right is a vital... Read More

Is It Worth To Outsource? How One Can Outsource Wisely

Recent trends in software development market show that it is... Read More

One Bad Apple

One Bad Apple I know what... Read More

A Checklist for Organized Executives

I could begin this article by providing a checklist of... Read More

Creating Your Own Business Upturn - Powering Business Development

We all see it . . . business markets are... Read More

Organizational Capital in Politics, War, Sports and Business

Intangible Corporate Assets such as Organizational Capital, Blue Sky and... Read More

Business Innovation ? Organizational Structure

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

14 Ways to De-Stress Employee Vacations

Employees truly deserve paid vacations. Theystruggle through stressful jobs most... Read More

Business Innovation ? Core Competency and Competitive Advantage

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Innovation Management ? Six Crucial Steps

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Do You Need a Personal Assistant?

It's great to be multi-skilled?be able to type your own... Read More

Keeping Meetings On Track

We all have been in meetings with certain people who... Read More

Hire Winners: Ask the Right Questions

How do you as a manager, supervisor or team leader... Read More

The Red Phone - Management Consulting in 30 Seconds or Less

Modern business faces complex problems; management often calls upon highly-specialized... Read More

Agendas Make Meetings Productive

Having an agenda template that works well for you, week... Read More

HRM: Contributing to Well-being or Ill-being at Work?

If you were to take the people out of an... Read More

6 Steps To Effective Management During Change

Take the pain out of gain and decrease the upheaval... Read More

What Consultants Want You to Know (But You Never Ask)

I've been both a CEO and a consultant, so I've... Read More

Does Your Management Style Remind People Of Something They Read In Dilbert?

With thanks to Jeff Foxworthy, the comedian who does the... Read More

Managing Meetings

Plan/prepare - lack of purpose causes aimless meetings. Know why... Read More

One Crazy Cookie

In order to survive, you have to be happier than... Read More

Conference Calling Can Save Your Sales OrganizationTime and Money!

Conference calling can save you money. There is no doubt... Read More

Innovation Management ? Flexibility

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Micromanagement and Delegation

Micro-Management and Delegation ... Read More

Leadership Skills Means Turnover is Not a Problem

"Ha!" you say. "For someone to make a statement like... Read More

Your Company Without Training - Any Questions?

Okay, be honest!Are you guilty of sticking in a few... Read More

How to Attract and Retain the Right People

If you're one of the many executives struggling with finding... Read More

Virtual Assistance: A Money Saving Opportunity For Employers

What is a Virtual Assistant? A Virtual Assistant is a... Read More

Leadership Styles - the Ten Top Qualities the Best Leaders Show

Top leaders...Are Visionary Top leaders have a very clear understanding... Read More

Christmas and Business Gifts for Your Clients and Employees!

Tis' the season for business and corporate gift-giving! If you... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: The Best Incentives are Free

This article relates to the Recognition competency, commonly evaluated in... Read More

Muggers in Our Midst - When Rumour and Gossip Pay You a Visit

'I heard it on the grapevine' the old song goes.... Read More