Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
“Pay gets people through the door. Purpose makes them stay.”
What employees actually value beyond money in wellbeing
By Samantha Newton, HR Consultant, Ethical Practice Advocate & unapologetic HR Queen
Why This Series Matters
In wellbeing, margins can be slim and salaries can’t always compete with the corporate world. But here’s the truth: money isn’t the only motivator. Often, it isn’t even the main one. What really keeps your team loyal are the things that don’t show up on a payslip: recognition, balance, growth, belonging.
Photo by Kindel Media
Why Listen to Me?
Because I’ve seen both sides. I’ve watched talented practitioners walk away from businesses that paid well but treated them like numbers. I’ve also helped studios with modest budgets keep staff for years by giving them what truly matters.
“Retention isn’t about the fattest pay cheque. It’s about creating a place people don’t want to leave.”
What Happens When It Goes Wrong
A wellbeing spa I supported assumed that higher pay would fix their turnover. They offered bonuses and bumped salaries, but employees still left. Why? Because shifts were chaotic, management was distant, and no one felt recognised. Within six months, three therapists resigned, taking loyal clients with them.
Money opened the door, but lack of purpose pushed them straight back out.
What Happens When It Goes Right
A small counselling practice couldn’t match NHS salaries, so they focused elsewhere:
- Weekly check-ins where employees can be honest about challenges.
- Regular “thank you” notes for small wins.
- Flexibility in hours to avoid burnout.
Result? Practitioners stayed. Clients flourished with consistent care. And the practice built a reputation as a place people loved to work, not just a place to earn.
“People don’t leave jobs where they feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.”
What Staff Actually Value
- Recognition: Specific praise, not generic thanks.
- Flexibility: Trust in how and when they work.
- Growth: Opportunities to learn and stretch without breaking the bank.
- Belonging: Feeling part of a mission, not just a rota.
Sole Traders, Listen Up
Even if it’s just you, this matters. You can’t retain what you don’t first give yourself. Recognition, balance, growth, belonging, they’re as vital for you as they are for staff. Burnout is the solo trader’s resignation letter.
Reflect Before You Act
- When did you last recognise someone on your team for something specific?
- Do your employees feel they have input into how they work, or just when?
- If you asked, “What makes you stay here?” what would they really say?
What to Action Today
- Give one team member specific, public recognition this week.
- Ask your employees what flexibility would make the biggest difference.
- Create a simple growth opportunity — a peer-led skill share or mentoring pair.
Free Resource
Want a ready-to-use list of no-cost employee motivators?
Email Sam for her free Retention Without the Raise Checklist.
Summary
Money matters, but it isn’t everything. Employees stay where they feel valued, trusted, and connected to purpose. Get that right, and you’ll keep people loyal even when the budget is tight.
“Pay is the spark. Purpose is the fuel.”
Photo by Lucy Williams Photography
Let’s Get Your House in Order
If you’re worried employees might leave for better pay, let’s talk. I’ll help you build the kind of culture people choose to stay in, even when the money elsewhere looks tempting.
Here’s what working with me gives you:
✅ A retention plan that isn’t built on payroll alone
✅ A culture where people feel seen and supported
✅ Stability that keeps both employees and clients loyal
Book your free 15-min HR SOS call. Because meaningful work needs meaningful protection.
Miss Managed, HR without the sugar-coating: behind-the-scenes people issues no one else dares talk about. Subscribe here
Core Insights, leadership, culture and cutting through corporate noise. Subscribe here
And if you’d like to learn more about my consultancy work click here
“Your energy is sacred. So is your team. Guard both.”
Main – Photo by fauxels
About the Author: Samantha Newton
