With that in mind, here are four things every employer needs to attract and keep their best people.

1. Compensation clarity and pay transparency matter more than ever 

In today's information-rich environment, employees expect greater transparency about how their work is valued monetarily. Employees want to understand how their compensation is determined and what they can do to increase their earnings over time. If pay feels arbitrary or unfair, engagement and retention suffer. Employers must:

• Build a strong foundation in market data to ensure pay is competitive.
• Be transparent about pay structures, particularly as regulations increasingly require job postings to include salary ranges.
• Train managers to have informed, meaningful compensation discussions with their teams.

This is especially important in industries with complex incentive and sales compensation structures.

2. Total rewards matter — and they aren’t one-size-fits-all 

It’s not just about salary. Employees value a comprehensive total rewards package, including benefits, work-life balance and career growth opportunities. However, what people prioritize varies across generations, income levels and career stages.

Rather than assuming what employees want, organizations should:

• Regularly survey employees to understand their needs and preferences. 
• Be realistic — don’t overpromise benefits that can’t be delivered. 
• Highlight nonmonetary benefits, especially flexibility, career development programs and wellness initiatives. 

3. Prepare for the AI-Driven Future 

The rise of AI and automation is reshaping the workforce. Employees are increasingly concerned about what these changes mean for their careers. Rather than leaving them to navigate these shifts alone, employers should:

• Invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to help employees adapt. 
• Communicate clearly about how AI will be used and what opportunities it creates. 
• Ensure employees see a future for themselves within the organization, even as job roles evolve. 

4. Support Employee Wellbeing on Every Level 

Financial, social, physical and emotional wellbeing all play roles in employee retention and performance. Organizations that prioritize holistic wellbeing will have a competitive advantage. Simply put, employees who feel supported in these areas are, generally speaking, far less likely to look elsewhere for employment.

Key strategies include: 

• Offering financial wellness programs to help employees plan for the future. 
• Providing mental health resources and promoting work-life balance. 
• Creating a culture where employees feel valued and supported, not just as workers but as people. 

The Bottom Line 

Things are changing rapidly. Organizations that take a proactive approach to compensation transparency, total rewards, AI-driven change and employee wellbeing will be best positioned to retain their top talent. Those that fail to adapt risk losing their best people to competitors who understand that today’s employees want more than just a paycheck — they want clarity, balance, growth and support.