Trust, support, unity and humor.
One year early in my surveying career, when it came time to do my taxes, I had a total of 6 W-2s. Five employers said I don't have any work for you next week or whatever. When you're living paycheck to paycheck, not working isn't an option. Don't treat them like a tool and challenge them to aim higher than just a job and a paycheck.
For me, work culture is most important. I’m going to make good money pretty much wherever I go. It’s not worth working for a company with a miserable staff. Been there, done that, hated it. They could drag you right down with them.
This is definitely true later on in life. I worked for too many A-holes for too long, and am now happier making less money but enjoying life more
Early in my career it was money. Then ability to learn and advance, along with money. When you don't have a lot of money, money tends to be a major driving force.
I want to ask the technician level people here what they really look for in an employment situation. 'Mo money, of course. But beyond that? What floats your boat? What makes a situation really attractive to you?
I liked having variety. Variety of projects and variety of where I was working-- office or field.
Give them a bonus twice a year. It's not just money. Who can't use a few extra bucks at Christmas or for a summer vacation? It's recognition of a job well done. In Charlotte I met my crews for breakfast every Saturday morning. They got paid to have a free buffet breakfast on the company.
I also made it a point to work with them periodically either cutting line or pounding wood.
You can hire more employees or encourage the ones you have to be more productive.
one of the lowest paying but best jobs I ever had early in my career - the owner would come out to the site with a bush axe and cut line while we took a break. He didn’t have much to give us in terms of money, but he treated us respect. If we needed an extra guy on a big job he would take over as party chief and out work all of us all day long. Come to think of it - he was about the age I am now.