Having a purpose at work – and being validated for that by both managers andpeers – trumps even pay in the minds and hearts of workers,according to a report from Globoforce’s WorkHuman ResearchInstitute, “Bringing More Humanity to Recognition, Performance,and Life at Work.”

The institute surveyed 2,703 employed people and found thathaving a personal sense of meaning in one’s work is even moreimportant to respondents than compensation -- salary,benefits, and other perks, which ranked as the third most importantreason for staying. Also ranked above pay: serving on a team withmembers who are enjoyable to work with.

But workers need to be validated for their efforts – and often:the more recently someone has been recognized, the more likely theyare to see the meaning and purpose in their work, according tothe survey. Those recognized in the last month are 29 percent morelikely to agree with the statement, “The work we do at myorganization has meaning and purpose for me,” compared to those whohave never been recognized.