Three Keys to Attract and Retain Best-in-Class Talent

Career, community and cause are the three primary motivators that motivate the 21st century workforce to perform at their best, concluded a study by Facebook of its team members.

Career relates to a place of employment that provides team members autonomy, enabling staff to use their strengths and provide them opportunities to learn and develop professionally.

Community involves an environment where team members are treated with respect, are cared about and recognized by others. This results in a connection and a feeling of belonging.

Cause relates to demonstrating and explaining that what your team does every day makes a positive difference in the lives of your clients. You simply don't design new kitchens - you improve the quality of your clients' lives.  The jobs you perform provide professional and personal satisfaction to the team.

The mistake many companies make is that they believe if they offer their team two out of the three motivators, their team will be satisfied and that company will be viewed as a best-in-class employer. That's actually not the case. The Facebook survey found that career, community and cause are equally important to team members regardless of their age or place in their careers. This coincides with other studies that have found Millennials, Baby Boomers and Gen Xers had the same core work values.

Facebook and other studies confirm that the secret to motivating your team is to provide them opportunities to make a difference, to grow and to be recognized for the contributions they make to your company and clients.