How to keep your best people

Keeping your top talent happy and loyal isn’t always easy, but our poll has shed some light on what really matters to employees. Turns out, it’s not just about throwing money at them or handing out certificates (though those things help). Leanne Boddy, Associate Director explains.

Here’s what the poll discovered when people were asked about the best way to hang on to their high performers:

• Strong leadership and culture: 59%
• Competitive pay: 21%
• Recognition and rewards: 13%
• Career development opportunities: 8%

The clear winner? A great boss and a brilliant workplace culture. Let’s dig into why that’s such a big deal.

Why leadership and culture steal the show

Nearly six out of ten people in the poll said that strong leadership and a cracking workplace culture are the secret sauce to keeping employees on board. And it makes sense! People want to work somewhere they feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger than just the daily grind.

Strong leaders set the tone, offering direction, empathy, and the kind of management that doesn’t just shout orders but actually inspires people to do their best work. Pair that with a workplace culture that feels inclusive, fun, and aligned with shared values, and you’ve got a recipe for loyalty.

Money talks, but it’s not everything

Coming in second with 21% of the vote was competitive pay. Of course, people want to be paid fairly for their work—no one’s going to stick around if they feel undervalued in their pay packet. But here’s the kicker: salary alone isn’t enough to keep people engaged for the long haul.

The role of recognition and development

Recognition and rewards (13%) and career development (8%) also scored points, but not as much as you might think. That doesn’t mean they’re not important—who doesn’t love a bit of recognition or the chance to climb the ladder? But they seem to work better when they’re part of a bigger picture, like a supportive culture and strong leadership team.

How to build a workplace people love

So, what can employers do to keep their best people happy and stop them from eyeing up the competition? Here are some tips:

1. Be a great leader: Invest in leadership training, encourage managers to listen and connect with their teams, and lead by example.
2. Create a buzzing culture: Build a workplace where people feel they belong—somewhere fun, collaborative, and full of positivity.
3. Pay fairly: Make sure your salaries are competitive, so people aren’t tempted to jump ship for a better deal.
4. Celebrate wins: Show your appreciation with meaningful recognition and rewards that actually resonate with employees.
5. Offer growth opportunities: Help employees see a future with your company by offering upskilling, mentorship, and chances to climb the career ladder.

The big takeaway

The poll makes one thing crystal clear: retaining your top talent isn’t just about ticking boxes like pay and perks. It’s about creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work—a place where strong leaders inspire, and culture keeps them connected.

So, if you’re serious about holding onto your best people, focus on the heart of the workplace: leadership and culture. Because when those are spot on, everything else seems to fall into place.

HR Insights: A New Era

Discover the key considerations when changing jobs, the most sought-after benefits, and the top factors people value in their current roles in our latest 2025 HR Insights Report – HR: A New Era. To find out how you can get your hands on the report, please contact Leanne Boddy at lboddy@mdhr.co.uk