Home topics workplace hr-and-staff Advice Hot Tips Managing Advice Nine things employees want from their employers, now Claire Hibbit June 14, 2012 Business owners take note: recognition and improved work/life balance are the keys to employee retention, or so says a new poll which asked employees what they most want from their business – right now. Some 77 percent of employees would consider leaving if they aren’t recognised for their contributions, a Redballoon survey found, with one in four already actively seeking a new job or intending to in the next three months. Here are the top nine things employees want to see improved in their business right now: Work/life balance (15 percent) Rewards and recognition (12 percent) Systems and processes (12 percent) Communication (9 percent) Career progression (9 percent) Training and development (8 percent) Culture (7 percent) Leadership/senior management (5 percent) Their boss (4 percent) According to RedBalloon corporate general manager Matt Geraghty retention is one of the biggest issues facing businesses right now and with the cost to replace someone estimated at 150 percent of their salary, the ROI of a successful reward and recognition program is clear. “In tough economic times, it’s your people that will get you through, and if businesses invest in and show their employees appreciation now, they’ll stay for the long term, “Geraghty said. Geraghty believes it’s unrealistic for employees to expect significant raises in the current economic climate, but with some praise and an effective rewards and recognition program business owners can