A paycheck alone won’t lure your best employees to work enthusiastically these days or attract new, bright people to your organization.

Sure, employees want a fair wage and good benefits. But they want more than that to be satisfied and happy at work. And those who are satisfied tend to get higher marks from customers for the quality of service.

Where they want to be and go

According to research by staffing expert and TalentKeepers CEO Christopher Mulligan, employees want:

• Credible leadership. Employees want to work for leaders whom they see as smart, skilled, accessible and compassionate. That’s why everyone isn’t cut out for leadership. Many are smart and skilled, but don’t have the softer skills. Some who are compassionate may be too friendly to lead. Before getting promoted, potential leaders should be assessed for all four criteria.
• Support of co-workers. Studies show that people who have friends and a group of supporters at work are more effective and loyal. Team performance should be a part of individuals’ goals. Then they’ll be compelled to make group dynamics work. Plus, leaders want to give employees time to socialize so they build camaraderie.
• Career satisfaction. As much as employees like their current positions, they still want to know there are other places to go within the company – even if they never take that career path. The best bet is to manage to employees’ strengths: Get them involved in the kind of work they enjoy most. Introduce them to new challenges regularly.
• A position in a high-performing company. Employees want to be part of a winning organization. They’ll raise their performance when they know how it affects the company’s overall success. Regularly update them on the company’s successes and where it’s headed next.

For more, see “Treat Agents Well: Service Thrives On Engaged Employees.”