Make-or-break factors for workers

Understanding what workers look for can help you hang on to them for the long term. In a survey asking workers to name the factors they value most in deciding to change or keep a job, “a good working relationship” and “resources to do the job” head the workers’ want list.

Respondents mentioned salary well after many other factors, including benefits. Don’t ignore the findings’ relevance. Unlike a factory or fast food restaurant, you simply can’t afford to continually replace people in particular positions.

In the long term, the steep intangible costs exacted by constant office turnover—including diminished patient confidence, disrupted service continuity, and slow but steady draining of team morale—take a greater toll than even direct recruiting and training expenses.