How to Build a Committed, Engaged Workforce

Committed, engaged employees are one of the secrets I discuss in my book 4 Secrets of High Performing Organizations. 

The September, 2006 issue of Executive Leadership has a front page article entitled Why Do They Stay?  The article highlights the top 18 reasons employees stay loyal to their employers…

Why Do They Stay?

1. Opportunities for career growth, learning and development.
2. Exciting and challenging work.
3. Work that makes a difference or contribution.
4. Wonderful co workers.
5. The experience of being part of a team.
6. A great boss.
7. Ample recognition.
8. A fun job.
9. Autonomy.
10. Flexibility.
11. Good pay and benefits.
12. Strong, inspiring leadership.
13. Belief in the organization’s mission or offerings.
14. A great work environment.
15. A location near home and good commute.
16. Job security.
17. A family-friendly employer.
18. Cutting edge technology.

If you notice, good pay and benefits come in 11th on this list.  Things like opportunities to learn, grow and develop, a good boss and recognition come in higher.  This is not unusual for these types of lists.  Job security comes in at number 16 – an indication that most people realize the new reality that they are likely to have more than one job or employer in their career.

The common sense point – good pay and benefits help, but they are not enough to build an engaged, motivated workforce.  Leaders and business owners need to attend to the top ten items on this list in order to get committed, engaged employees.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more leadership common sense.  Check out my other blog www.CareerSuperStar.com for common sense advice on becoming the life and career star you are meant to be.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud