Employee engagement is defined as the emotional commitment an employee has for a job or organization, which then drives their performance.

Countless studies have proven that an engaged workforce contributes significantly to a business' success. Results range from happier customers to higher profits and stock prices, to lower health care costs. Moreover, experts say employee engagement is doubly important in times of economic recession, uncertainty or boom, because this is when the human element differentiates those who fail, survive or thrive.

One way to drive engagement is to consider what employees want out of their employer or job, and how to fulfill those desires. According to "Generations at Work," a survey by think tank Future Workplace, employees list these top nine characteristics as the most important to their job satisfaction. These characteristics were stable across demographics of gender, age and ethnicity.

1. Company Values. Companies with strong values typically draw employees who share those values, creating a dynamic of loyalty and shared commitment to the business' brand and mission. Be sure to promote your business' values externally and internally, so both current and prospective employees know where you stand.
2. Skill Set Development. This characteristic is particularly true for younger workers, but all workers desire to stay up to date on emerging skill sets. This desire has increased in recent years, due to the rapid pace that technology is changing the way businesses work and the skill sets they require.
3. Flexible Benefits and Rewards. Employees are looking for more than just a paycheck, and appreciate the ability to choose their benefits, forms of recognition or rewards. One employee might prefer health benefits that extend to a discount on their gym membership or alternative medical treatments. Another might be interested in working at a different location, or furthering their education. Be flexible and creative; let employees choose what benefits and rewards they prefer.

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