What Matters Most to Retain and Motivate Your Team? Insights from LinkedIn Poll Results

To delve deeper into this challenge, we recently conducted a LinkedIn poll asking:

What do you focus on to retain and motivate your team?

The responses were illuminating and, perhaps, reflective of the changing priorities in modern workplaces. Our Poll had the following results:

• 45%: Providing Growth Opportunities
• 32%: Building an Inclusive Culture
• 14%: Reward and Recognition
• 9%: Creating a Fun Environment

Let’s unpack these results and consider how these focus areas could shape your organisation’s approach to talent retention and motivation.

Growth Opportunities: The Clear Priority

The fact that nearly half of respondents (45%) chose growth opportunities as their top focus is significant. Employees want more than just a pay check—they crave career development, learning, and the ability to see a clear path forward.

In our experience, organisations that invest in leadership development programs, mentorship, and skill-building initiatives tend to have higher retention rates. Growth opportunities are not just about upward mobility but also about fostering a culture where employees feel they are constantly learning and evolving.

As a board, consider whether your organisation is prioritising professional development.

Do you have the right programs in place to empower your teams? Is career progression clear and attainable for your workforce?

Inclusive Culture: The Foundation of Engagement

The second most popular response, chosen by 32% of respondents, highlights the growing emphasis on creating inclusive workplaces.

An inclusive culture is more than just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and belonging. Employees need to feel valued and heard, regardless of their background, gender, or role.

For boards, this raises key questions:

• How does your organisation define and measure inclusivity?
• Are there mechanisms in place to gather employee feedback and act on it?
• Is diversity represented not just at entry levels but in leadership roles as well?

Building an inclusive culture requires intentional effort, but the payoff is undeniable. A sense of belonging drives loyalty and motivation, making it a powerful retention strategy.

Reward and Recognition: Beyond Paychecks

While 14% may seem like a smaller segment, the importance of reward and recognition cannot be overlooked.

Employees need to feel appreciated for their contributions. However, recognition doesn’t have to be monetary—it can take the form of public acknowledgment, personalised thank-you notes, or celebrating milestones.

Leaders should ask:

• Are your organisation’s reward systems aligned with what employees value?
• Is recognition frequent and meaningful, or does it feel like an afterthought?

When done well, recognition reinforces a culture of appreciation and motivates employees to excel.

Fun Environment: A Surprising Underdog

Only 9% of respondents cited creating a fun environment as their primary focus. However, this doesn’t mean it’s unimportant—it simply suggests that fun alone isn’t enough to retain top talent.

Creating an enjoyable workplace can significantly boost morale and teamwork, but it works best when paired with growth, inclusion, and recognition. Consider how your organisation balances work and play. Are you fostering an environment where employees can thrive while enjoying their time at work?

Key Takeaways for Leaders

These poll results underscore a critical truth: Retaining and motivating employees is not a one-size-fits-all challenge. Organisations must address multiple aspects of the employee experience to succeed.

As leaders, your role in steering these efforts is pivotal. Here are some questions to reflect on:

1. Is your organisation investing enough in professional development and growth opportunities?
2. Are you fostering an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging?
3. Do your reward and recognition programs align with employee expectations?
4. Are you creating a workplace environment that balances productivity with enjoyment?

The competition for top talent is fierce, and employees today expect more from their employers. By addressing these focus areas, your organisation can position itself as a destination for top talent, ensuring long-term success in an ever-changing business landscape.

We are committed to helping organisations like yours navigate these challenges. If you’d like to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining the best talent, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Feel free to message me @ doug.mackay@collingwoodsearch.co.uk if you have any questions or recruitment challenges you need support with.