Here’s a sobering fact: More than half of your workforce is ready to leave. That’s according to a recent Gallup poll that looked at the reasons employees stayed with their employers and why those who looked for new opportunities left. While there are a number of reasons employees choose to remain or look elsewhere, the study revealed one constant: The number one reason for sticking around was a sense of purpose. “Having a personal sense of meaning in one’s work was even more important than compensation, which ranked as the third most important reason for staying,” says Eric Mosley, CEO of Globoforce, a talent engagement software provider. However, meaning isn’t universal, and purpose means different things to different people. This is why it’s important to treat employees like individuals and understand what makes team members tick. “Our NextGen Work research found that Boomers value being appreciated and recognized, younger people look for purposeful work that contributes to society, while people of all generations desire work that allows them to improve their skills and balance work and home,” says Becky Frankiewicz, president of the staffing and talent management provider ManpowerGroup North America. “Taking the time to find out what motivates your people individually is the first step to helping them find meaning in what they do.”