Whether you call it the Great Resignation or the Great Reshuffle, employees continue to leave jobs in record numbers. As recently as September 2022, close to 4.1 million workers quit their jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Whether or not they are happy with the change is questionable. A recent study found that “81 percent of workers are willing to leave their current position for the right job offer,” according to CoreCentive.

Clearly, employees still feel something lacking at work. And it’s up to employers to figure out what that something is and respond to those needs or risk the continued loss of good talent.

How Can You Boost Employee Engagement?

What Do Employees Want?

How do you know what types of benefits would be most valuable to your employees? The best way to find out is to ask them. Conduct an annual anonymous survey or discuss how your employees view your current benefits during one-on-one yearly reviews.

This is a win-win. You gain insight into your employees’ needs. They feel heard and represented, which earns their loyalty.

Let’s look at a few benefits and perks that keep bubbling to the top in employee surveys.

Corporate Culture & Values

Workers are paying a lot more attention these days to how a company conducts business, which in turn tends to impact corporate culture. If you haven’t defined your company’s core values, maybe now is a good time.

“An employee who agrees with the core business values of a company and who works for an employer whose values align with their own is also more likely to be satisfied with their role,” notes Indeed.

Updated Benefits

A Fractl survey of 2,000 job seekers determined that better health/dental/vision insurance, flexible hours, more vacation time, and work-from-home options were highly desired by 75% or more of the respondents. Benefits like student loan assistance, paid parental leave, free day care, tuition assistance, and even free gym memberships also ranked high. In addition, pandemic-weary employees emphasize the need for paid mental health services.

Flexible Work Policies

Many job shifters seek greater flexibility in work hours and location to improve their work-life balance. The pandemic proved a physical corporate office can be optional. Still, many companies continue to resist offering fluid scheduling, hybrid and remote work opportunities.

“If you have a really rigid work environment, you’re unknowingly telling employees you don’t trust them, and that will never build loyalty,” notes Kelsey Raymond, of Influence & Co., a member of the Forbes Young Entrepreneur Council.

Provide Growth Opportunities

Employees value a company that is interested in their career goals and offers avenues for achieving them. This can take the form of mentoring, training or tuition assistance for outside education. Let your employees envision a long-term future with your company. Showing employees you are invested in their career goals could convince them to invest in the company’s success long-term.

Recognize Their Hard Work

No one minds hearing they’re doing a good job, but when was the last time you recognized your staff for their productivity and initiative? Recognition boosts employee engagement. So, prioritize employee recognition, show your appreciation and celebrate their milestones.

“The more you can help people see how what they’re doing matters, the more they’ll feel committed to their roles. “Get really clear on how every single person’s role actually bubbles up to the bigger picture,” workplace-culture consultant MaryBeth Hyland told Monster.

Ultimately, employee loyalty hinges on developing positive and professional relationships with your staff. By genuinely acknowledging their accomplishments and diligently monitoring their priorities, you will earn your employees’ trust and loyalty.

How Are You Boosting Employee Engagement?

Are you looking for your next great employee? Contact Pro Resources Staffing Services to find out more about how their candidate vetting process.