Todays businesses are facing a real skills shortage and it seems business owners are throwing more money at them to keep them at work. Many business owners think employees decide to leave because they’ve been offered more money next door. However, the reason for leaving for most employees is that the working conditions are not right for them.

Managers have to be very clear as to what keeps an employee engaged at work and many think that employees are after more money in order to continue performing. Whilst money is their lifeline, hence a key driver of engagement, employees leave work for many other reasons.

Leadership, purpose, reward, opportunity, relationships, job fulfilment and work-life balance are above money. Managers should not assume that money motivates their employees. Everyone’s motivated by different drivers and when talking to your staff you will realise money is at the bottom end of why they work or why they want to leave your company.

Employee satisfaction is an important strategic initiative that ensures staff is motivated and engaged. And in this mix it is crucial to keep perspective of how each element operates.

Two key elements that I often find keep employees focused and engaged are leadership and reward. Leadership has proven to be a key factor in successful organisations. It fosters an environment of purpose, accomplishment and satisfaction through the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. In this case you can read: achieving your business objectives.

On the other hand, rewards. They are satisfying, gratifying and offer value to the individual’s sense of accomplishment. So I would say that a good combination of leadership and rewards give businesses an edge where both parties win, managers maximise engagement and employees continue thriving at their workplace.