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“Give them what they want” is good advice in business, and it doesn’t apply only to your customers. Giving employees what they want can help with retention, as long as you’re focused on the right workplace needs. Make sure you’re fulfilling these important employee priorities:

1. Positive teamwork. Employees want to work with people who pull their weight, and on teams that produce exceptional results. Hire people with an eye on how they’ll fit in and what they’ll contribute to your atmosphere, not just what skills they have listed on their résumés.

2. Interesting assignments. Not every task can be thrilling, but you can make even routine chores more engaging by explaining why they’re important, combining them with more challenging work, and delegating important tasks that stretch employees’ skills.

3. Development opportunities. Your most talented employees probably don’t want to stay in the same jobs for the rest of their lives. Find out what they want to do in their careers, and work with them on identifying and taking advantage of opportunities for growth and advancement.

4. Flexibility. These days, employees expect managers to accommodate their personal needs. Some need to adjust their schedules to care for children or elderly parents; others may volunteer for community organizations, or have needs that require them to work from home at times. You obviously need employees to be accountable, but don’t insist on a strict 9-to-5 schedule when you can win their loyalty with a little flexibility.

5. Appreciation. Don’t take your employees for granted. Yes, they’re paid to do good work, but some praise and recognition will go far beyond the impact of a paycheck in cementing their long-term commitment.

—Adapted from the Franchising.com website