Tough economic times has given business leaders an unparalleled opportunity to attract, retain, support and fully engage their top talent.  What keeps the best employees devoted to their jobs in this difficult economic environment?

The answer according to Sylvia Hewitt is surprisingly not a steady salary or hefty bonus.  What truly satisfies employee’s needs and wants are:

1. Formalized Flexibility – Remote Work Options, staggered hours, reduced schedules and mini-sabbaticals can provide the employee greater value than a bigger paycheck.
2. Career Development – With skeleton workforces, giving capable employees more challenging assignments or cross-functional roles that boost skills and expand their professional capabilities is of greater value.

By revising rewards, smart employers can turn this economic challenge into a talent incubator.