10 factors that contribute to staff satisfaction

By Rebecca Boartfield and Tim Twigg

What does your staff expect? They know the intangibles count! To attract and retain quality employees and address employee wage and benefit complaints, the following perspectives are essential.

Salary and the generally accepted benefits (vacation, holidays, sick leave, etc.) certainly count, but employee surveys indicate that other factors rate higher.

Employee surveys consistently show similar rankings for other factors that contribute to staff satisfaction:

1. Interesting and challenging work
2. Recognition, acknowledgement, and appreciation
3. Ability to contribute, make a difference, and be included
4. Sense of job security
5. Compensation and benefit package
6. Opportunity for promotion and/or growth
7. Positive working environment and good working conditions
8. Personal loyalty and commitment to employees by employer
9. Consistent, fair, and tactful disciplining and management
10. Support, care, and help with personal problems

Competitive wages and benefits are important, but research indicates the intangibles count!

Rebecca Boartfield is an HR compliance consultant, and Tim Twigg is the president of Bent Ericksen & Associates. For 29 years the company has been a leading authority in human resources and personnel issues, helping dentists successfully deal with the ever-changing and complex labor laws. To receive a complimentary copy of the company’s quarterly newsletter or to learn more, contact them at (800) 679-2760 or at www.bentericksen.com.