What do employees want?

• Author: Nelson, Bob
• Position: Rewarding Employees

In today's changing times what are the things that are most important to employees? To answer that question, I recently conducted a survey of about 1,500 employees. Here are the top 10 recognition items I found employees said were most important to them, along with some thoughts on how you might better provide these things.

A learning activity (No. 1) and choice of assignment (No. 9)

Today's employees most value learning opportunities in which they can gain skills to enhance their worth and marketability in their current job--as well as future positions.

Find out what your employees want to learn, how they want to grow and develop, and where they want to be in five years. Give them opportunities as they arise and the ability to choose work assignments whenever possible. When given the choice, more often than not, they will rise to meet or exceed your expectations.

Flexible working hours (No. 2) and time off from work (No. 7)

Today's employees value their time--and their time off. Be sensitive to their off-schedule needs whether it involves family, friends, charity, church, education or hobbies, and provide flexibility so they can meet those obligations. Time off might range from an occasional afternoon off to attend a child's play at school or the ability to start the workday an hour early so as to be able to leave an hour early at the end of the day. By allowing work to fit best with an employee's life schedule, you increase the chances that they will be motivated to work harder while at work, and to do their best to make their schedule work. So long as the job gets done, what difference does it matter what hours they work?

Personal praise--verbal (No. 3), public (No. 8) or written (No. 10)

Although you can thank someone in 10 to 15 seconds, most employees report that they are never thanked for the job they do--and especially not by their manager.

Start to thank your employees systematically when they do good work. Thank them in person, one-on-one--even if done in the hallway. You can also thank them in a group meeting, and through voicemail, a written thank-you note or e-mail. Better yet, go our of your way to act on, share and amplify good news when it occurs--even if it means interrupting someone to thank them for a great job. By raking the time to say you...