Why You Must Pay People Well

it’s the first point of value you deliver to your team

“Is that what people want though?”

I balanced on a turquoise stool at a table by the window (my favorite).

My friend and I debated which small plates to order — the Nashville hot crawfish fries? Of course. But what about the Tillamook cheddar mac & cheese? Needless to say, it was a scrumptious but not heart-healthy meal.

Somewhere between the short rib boudin croquettes and the fresh beignets, we got to talking about work. We both get satisfaction out of what we do, but we approach it from different perspectives. I’m the practical optimist while he’s the jaded but realistic cynic.

I made the point that people are looking for more flexibility in how they work.

He responded, "Is that what people want though? I feel like they want that after they’ve risen up the ranks and have the comfortable job. Then they'll think about whether or not they want to do the work, or if it would be better to be at home more, or whatever."

I would say I half agree. 

Your team members want other things from work, many quite different from their transactionally-minded predecessors:

  • Greater work-life balance and better personal well-being

  • Greater flexibility in where and how they work 

  • Recognition and appreciation

  • Career growth and development

  • The ability to do what they do best

  • Greater stability and job security

Simply put, people want to feel valued and know their work matters. 

Commensurate pay is part of that equation, and here’s where I agree with my friend.

You can’t cover up lack of pay with other benefits. Ultimately, that amazing team member will leave for a job that gives them these things and pays them well to do their work. 

Don’t believe me? Gallup asked 13,085 US employees what was most important to them when deciding whether to accept a new job offered by a new employer. 

Coming in at number one: a significant increase in income or benefits, with 64% saying it was "very important.”

Paying someone well is the first and most fundamental way you say to them that you value them as part of your team. 

Consider it the foundation on which you build all the other value you deliver to them.

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principlesKatie Burkhartpeople are someone not something, team