by Nicole Degi

Feeling valued at work is a fundamental aspect of job satisfaction and employee retention. Unfortunately, we find it is common for employees not to feel valued which can lead to a disconnect between their employer’s efforts and the employee’s needs being met. So, what does it truly mean to feel valued at work? This will feel different for each person with varying needs and values, especially for those that struggle to articulate what makes them feel valued. I have compiled a list below of things that candidates tell our executive recruiters most often. 

1. Recognition and Appreciation: At its core, feeling valued often stems from recognition and appreciation. Employees want to know that their hard work and contributions are noticed and acknowledged. There are many types of recognition that can go a long way with employers such as public recognition and highlighting achievements across the company, social media shout-outs, acknowledgments during team meetings, personal thank-you notes, one-on-one recognition from a manager, and tangible awards or bonuses.
   
   
2. Opportunities for Growth: As an executive recruiter, one thing I hear often when asking an employee why they want to leave their current job is that there is no room for them to grow professionally and employees want to see a clear path for growth and development within their career.
   
   Examples of how to implement this into your company culture include: 
   1. Creating career advancement and transparent pathways for promotions and new opportunities
   2.  Mentorship and support with regular guidance from more experienced colleagues and managers
   3. Giving your employees access to training programs or courses that would help them advance their career would show you as an employer are investing in them
      
      
3. Supportive Work Environment: Creating a positive and supportive work environment is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention. For me, this is the most important factor in feeling valued at work. Providing employees with a healthy work-life balance, open communication, inclusivity, and respect enhances both employee tenure and performance. As a full-time working mom and a wife to someone battling cancer, the support of my employer and colleagues has been invaluable. When I need time off for my son or doctor’s appointments, there are no questions asked, only support. This makes me feel truly valued. Knowing that my employer cares about me and my family as people, not just as employees, motivates me to work hard and exceed goals every day.
   
   
4. Fair Compensation and Benefits: While compensation is not the only factor, it is undeniably significant. Fair and competitive salaries, along with comprehensive benefits packages, play a crucial role in making employees feel valued which includes opportunities for growth in compensation with annual reviews, bonus opportunities, retirement plans, and wellness programs. 
   
   
5. The Ability to Contribute Significant Work: One thing I hear when on phone calls with candidates is that they want their work to matter and contribute to the larger goal of the organization. This can be achieved by defining and communicating clear goals and objectives that align with the company’s mission and values and giving your employees an autonomous and trusting environment to exceed the goals. When employees see the impact, they are making on the company, it reinforces a sense of value in the work they are doing.

Feeling valued at work is multi-faceted, involving recognition, growth opportunities, meaningful work, a supportive environment, and fair compensation. While employees may sometimes struggle to articulate why they feel unvalued, it is crucial for employers to create a culture that promotes open communication and proactive engagement. By doing so, companies can foster a workplace where every employee feels truly valued and appreciated.