Five Common Misperceptions about What Attracts and Keeps Good People

There are often disconnects between what management and workers think are key to attracting and keeping good employees. For Instance, in a recent report, Texas Assisted Living Workforce Retention: A Tale of Two Perspectives, the authors found that employers rate culture as a high motivator for employee loyalty, but workers disagree. About 60% of employers say they think workers would be willing to stay for a good culture, while about the same number of workers say that culture isn’t enough.

Here are five misconceptions that can cost you good workers:

1. All recognition is good. This is true, but only to a point. A pizza party is nice—in fact, it may be the only food some workers get all day—but it’s not enough. Tailor your recognition efforts to your employees. Consider a point-based reward system that allows people to choose how they are recognized.
2. Workers just really want higher wages. This also is true, but with some caveats. They can get higher wages elsewhere. However, they work in this industry because they love it and most would like to stay in it. They want to be included as respected, engaged members of the team. They want to be listened to and feel like their opinions matter.
3. Workers who like their coworkers are more likely to stay. The pandemic emphasized the value of family and community. More than ever, workers want scheduling flexibility that enables them to help school their kids, spend time with ill or aging family members, and enjoy a true work-life balance.
4. Employees don’t care about the design of their workspace. Especially when people are putting in long hours, they want quiet, comfortable workstations where they can focus on their tasks and not end the day with aching feet or backs. A nice breakroom can be an appealing oasis—with amenities such as digital signage (addressing issues employees care about), charging stations, and healthy snacks—but make sure it’s used as an energizing getaway and not a place to hide from overly stressful jobs.
5. Competing for good workers is too expensive. No doubt, there is a cost to recruit workers, but it is easier if you have something attractive to sell in the first place. When you have a good, healthy workplace, the word spreads on social media, between friends and neighbors, among schools and educational programs, etc. Don’t underestimate the value of word of mouth when you have a good product.