A recent issue of Inc. Magazine featured a brief article titled “The Three Things Employees Really Want.”
Columnist Marc Barros explained that money is nice, but what employees care about most goes far deeper than just money:
- Purpose. Nobody wants just a job. People want to be part of a company that is clear about what it stands for and where there is no confusion about what is right and wrong.
- Autonomy. As CEO, you can get caught up in your own solutions and inadvertently limit the decisions your employees make. However, the freedom to make their own decisions is what leaves people saying, “I love my job.”
- Empathy. Caring doesn’t take money, but it does take time. It means creating an amazing work environment, welcoming people on their first day, remembering anniversaries, and being flexible with time off.
As a leader, what about you? Are you focused on purpose, autonomy, and empathy?
Barros is right. Money is important, but what your employees really care about goes far deeper than just money.
