Why money can't replace trust and respect in the workplace

Money isn’t everything. I recruited a talented product manager for a company offering a 33% salary increase. She was excited about the role. She was hopeful it would be a great opportunity. From the outside, it seemed like a perfect match. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱. She’d found another position with a lower salary. As we spoke, she opened up about what had happened. From the start, senior leaders treated her poorly. They criticized her openly, saying things like, "You're useless here. You wasted your degree." Her ideas were dismissed. Her efforts were ignored. In the end, she wasn’t leaving for money; she was leaving for respect. 👉 𝗡𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗻𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗸 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 👉 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱. 👉 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺—𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱. Is your workplace giving the respect and recognition that leads to success? #ProductManagement #ProductManager #Recruitment #CareerGrowth

No job is worth your mental health... The truth about job satisfaction that most people ignore: In my years as an ER doctor, I've seen how work stress affects health. But here's a surprising truth: Your work culture's influence is profound. Shocking fact: Only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. (Gallup) Think a bigger paycheck is the key to job satisfaction? Think again. Here's why culture trumps cash every time: 1. Money Motivates Briefly   - A salary bump gives you a quick high   - But the excitement fades when Monday rolls around   - Your worth isn't tied to your paycheck. Don't sell yourself short. 2. Culture is Your Daily Reality   - A positive environment energizes you every single day   - It's the difference between dreading work and enjoying it.   - A good culture lifts you. A bad one drags you down. 3. Growth Beats Greed   - A nurturing culture offers continuous learning opportunities   - Personal development is priceless and pays dividends long-term   - Growing as a person is worth more than growing your bank account. 4. Relationships Matter More Than Figures   - Supportive colleagues make tough days bearable   - No amount of money can replace real workplace connections   - Good work friends can make even a tough job worthwhile. 5. Purpose Outweighs Paychecks   - A strong culture aligns with your values and gives meaning   - Finding meaning in your work isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. 6. Stress Has a Price Tag   - A toxic culture costs you your well-being, no matter the salary   - Peace of mind is worth more than any bonus. Your well-being comes first. 7. Creativity Thrives in Healthy Environments   - A positive culture encourages innovation and risk-taking   - You can't put a price on the satisfaction of bringing ideas to life   - A job that lets you be creative is priceless. Don't settle for less. A salary increase makes you happy once a year. A healthy culture keeps you happy every single day. What matters more to you: The size of your paycheck or the quality of your work life? ➕ Follow Dr. Miro Bada for more. ♻️ Share this to spread awareness of healthy workplace culture.

Just got off the phone with a candidate who had an interesting dilemma. She’s currently earning six figures at her day job but spends her nights and weekends packaging cookie orders for her side business. Here’s the catch: her current employer fully supports her. Her manager and colleagues not only give her the flexibility to run her cookie business—they’ve even bought cookies from her! That kind of support is rare. I reached out about a new role that offers a higher salary and better benefits. She was ready to push for a compensation package that reflected her value. But one thing made her pause. She realized the flexibility she currently enjoys—the ability to pursue her passion while excelling at work—might be hard to replicate elsewhere. It wasn’t about the money. It was about something more intangible: trust, support, and the freedom to be herself, both inside and outside of the office. At the end of our conversation, she decided to hold off on the new opportunity. She recognized how much the flexibility and understanding from her current employer meant to her. It’s a reminder that sometimes, what makes a job fulfilling isn’t just the paycheck. (It’s the environment that lets you grow beyond the 9-to-5) Support and flexibility are worth their weight in gold. Would you agree?

Recently, someone sent me a message here on LinkedIn asking: Would I prioritize a job with higher pay but lower satisfaction, or one with lower pay and greater satisfaction? My answer: NEITHER. 🚫 It’s a flawed assumption to believe we must choose between fair compensation and a fulfilling work environment. Employees should be paid what they’re worth and work in a place where they feel respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Compensation and satisfaction aren’t mutually exclusive, they should go hand in hand 🤝. While it may be an employer’s market right now, that’s no reason to take advantage of employees. Companies that focus on short-term gains over long-term integrity may find themselves struggling when the job market shifts 🔄. Sustainable success comes from treating people well, investing in their growth and recognizing their contributions. A thriving workplace is one where employees don’t have to choose between feeling fulfilled and being fairly compensated. 💼✨ At the end of the day, the most successful companies will be those that foster trust, respect, and a commitment to doing right by their people. 🤝🏆

After all, who wouldn't want a bigger paycheck? But Money is not everything- Priotize respect & employee health. I used to believe that the primary reason employees changed jobs was for more money. It seemed logical. However, through years of experience and countless conversations with team members, I've come to realize that the real currency they seek isn't just monetary. It's respect, work culture and mental peace. You see, money can provide temporary relief, but it's respect that nourishes the soul. It's the feeling of being valued, appreciated, and understood in the workplace that truly makes a difference. When employees feel respected, they're not just motivated – they're empowered to thrive. Similarly, mental peace is invaluable. In a world that's constantly buzzing with deadlines, targets, and expectations, finding a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos is priceless. It's about creating an environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and able to bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgment or burnout. As a leader, I've learned that building a culture of respect and prioritizing mental well-being isn't just good for morale – it's good for business. When employees feel respected and at peace, they're more engaged, productive, and loyal. They're willing to go the extra mile because they know their contributions are valued beyond a paycheck. So, to all my fellow entrepreneurs and leaders out there, let's remember that while money is important, it's not everything. Let's prioritize #employeeappreciation #employeehealth #employeewellbeing in our workplaces, creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and cherished. Because in the end, it's these intangible treasures that make all the difference in the world. Do you agree? > Share with your network > Follow Glenn Poulos #employees #corporate #workculture #toxicworkplace #managers #leadership

One thing I’ve learned leading teams over the years: People don’t come back because of a paycheck. They come back because of the culture. A higher salary might get someone through the door. But respect, trust, growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging are what keep them coming back even after they’ve left. I’ve seen people decline “better paying” offers because they felt valued where they were. On the other hand, I’ve rarely seen anyone return to a company just for money. Culture builds loyalty. Salary only builds transactions. If you’re building a team, invest more in culture than in compensation wars. That’s the long game. #Leadership #Culture #PeopleFirst #TeamBuilding #Workplace

Your workplace isn’t your family. But that doesn’t mean it should feel transactional, cold, or disconnected. Here’s the real issue: too many companies focus on productivity and forget about people. Why culture still matters (and always will): 1. People show up for trust, not just a paycheck. When employees feel seen and respected, they don’t just perform—they care. 2. Respect builds loyalty. Not the kind that keeps people stuck, but the kind that makes them want to stay. 3. Recognition beats rewards. Bonuses are great, but being acknowledged for your effort? That’s what people remember. So how do we create workplaces people don’t want to leave? ✅ Build boundaries that protect, not distance. Healthy boundaries make people feel safe, not shut out. ✅ Lead with connection, not control. Know your people. Not just their job titles, but who they are. ✅ Make your culture visible. It’s not what’s written on the wall—it’s what happens in the room. ✅ Honor life outside of work. Balance isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business. Inspire, don’t pressure. If people go the extra mile, let it be because they want to, not because they’re afraid not to. Bottom line? Work doesn’t have to feel like family. But it should still feel human. Get the culture right, and people won’t just show up—they’ll show up engaged. They’ll grow, they’ll contribute, and yes—they’ll stick around. 👉 If this resonates, repost or share it with someone who needs to hear it. ✅ About me: I help companies boost performance without burning people out. Because when we invest in people, they invest back.

This resonates deeply. The erosion of trust between employees and employers isn’t just a “market cycle” problem—it’s a human one. Two years ago, companies lamented “quiet quitting” and begged for loyalty, empathy, and “purpose.” Today, many of those same organizations are posting record profits while treating employees as expendable line items. The whiplash is staggering. What’s truly lost here isn’t just fairness—it’s the belief that work can be a partnership. Leaders like Simon Sinek (and countless others) preach psychological safety and human-centric cultures, yet so many companies default to transactional relationships the moment the power dynamic shifts. Employees aren’t naive; we know work is work. But when layoffs surge, well-being erodes, and “culture” becomes a hollow buzzword, it reinforces a painful truth: we’re not people here—we’re profit levers. The saddest part? Many of us want to believe in workplaces that care. We’d gladly invest in companies that invest in us. But after years of whiplash—from “you’re family!” rhetoric to cold, spreadsheet-driven cuts—we’re left navigating a landscape where mutual respect feels like a relic. And yes, we’re quietly waiting for the pendulum to swing back. But should we have to? I have been laid off and had to do layoffs-I dislike it-the whole process, no one wins. To leaders reading this: Trust isn’t a commodity that fluctuates with the market. It’s built daily, through consistency, transparency, and treating people like humans—not just in boom cycles, but especially when profits rise and pressures mount. The “employee market” will return, but the scars of this era will linger. The question is: Will your culture be worth returning to? For now, many of us sit, work, and wonder—how many times can you break trust before it stops mattering? David Horsager writes a few great books on #Trust in the workplace #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #TrustInBusiness #EmployeeExperience #TrustMatters

I was chatting with a candidate today who recently left a job to join a competitor with a huge salary increase. 💥Within 2 months, he realized he had entered a hornets nest. 💥The Manager was toxic. 💥The company morale was in the toilet. 💥He was making more money than ever but was miserable. Money is undoubtedly essential, but a toxic work environment can overshadow any financial gain. Finding a workplace where you feel valued, respected, and aligned with the company culture is key to long-term happiness and success. Remember, it's not just about the paycheck; it's about finding a place where you can thrive.

A few weeks ago, I was ecstatic to be offered a partnership opportunity with another recruitment agency - a promising freelance gig, exactly what I was looking for while trying to figure out what I wanted next. However, sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you realise that not every opportunity is the right fit for you. From the first day of the collaboration, it became evident that our values didn't align at all. For the four days I stuck with this gig, I couldn't help but feel out of place and, truth be told, embarrassed to have my name associated with this agency. So, why am I sharing this with you? Well, in the world of recruitment and in life in general, your reputation is invaluable. In my years in this industry, I've learned that your reputation is not just about the number of placements you make or the deals you close. It's about the trust and respect you earn from clients, candidates, and colleagues. It's about the way people perceive you, both professionally and personally. When you're building a career, it's easy to get caught up in the chase for opportunities and financial gain, but remember, your reputation is the foundation upon which your entire career is built. It's the sum of your integrity, your ethics, and your commitment to doing what's right, even when it's difficult. In my case, I couldn't jeopardise the reputation I've worked hard to build over the years for the sake of a short-term gig and a paycheck. I value the connections I've made, both professionally and personally, and I know that those relationships are more important than any short-term gain. So, here's my reminder to all of you: It's okay for things not to work out. Sometimes, saying no to the wrong opportunity is the best decision you can make for your career and your reputation. Trust your instincts, hold true to your values, and never underestimate the power of a strong and ethical reputation in the world of work. #CareerAdvice #ReputationMatters #ProfessionalIntegrity