TOP FIVE Contributors to Job Satisfaction - Almost all of civilization's food supply depends greatly on crop pollination by honeybees. These workers serve not only their queen, but most life on Earth. Employees are as vital to any business as worker bees are for a hive, but people don't generally serve any employer or company with blind loyalty. Luckily for small business owners, a recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management has revealed the top five factors that lead to employee satisfaction. Number five-- good relationships with immediate supervisors. 54% of respondents say a good relationship with their superiors is a key to their satisfaction. No one ever wants to feel overworked and under-appreciated. Maintaining positive working relationships in the office is a crucial way to have lower level employees now that they're an important part of the team. Number four-- good communication between employees and management. 57% say good communication is key to satisfaction in the workplace. Just like in any relationship, the ability to communicate clearly and positively is a key component to any company's success. Good communication is a way to cultivate an open and creative work environment. Poor communication, on the other hand, has proven to stifle creativity and innovation, as employees can be reluctant to voice concerns and ideas, because of a fear of repercussions. Number three-- compensation. Number three here should come as no surprise. After all, most of us aren't waking up extra early, commuting, and spending all day in the office out of charity. And while 60% say a vital part to employee satisfaction is their pay, only 58% say they are happy with their compensation. If your business can afford it, paying employees good wages is an effective way of investing into your company's future. Number two-- job security. Of course, what good is compensation if you don't know how long you'll be employed in the first place. Job security was rated as the number one factor to employee satisfaction in five previous studies since 2002, so its relegation to number two is actually an indication of optimism in the job market. And number one-- ability to use skills and abilities. Above and beyond anything else, employees want to feel useful and able to utilize their abilities. 63% say this is a key to their satisfaction. With the economy on a gradual upswing, the issue of job security is taking a backseat to workers need to contribute in constructive ways. People who join your company want to help you achieve your vision, nurture and encourage their strengths and talents. Let them shine and there will be plenty of honey to go around. Remember the whole bee thing? Yeah. That they're in-- that they're an important part of the day. [MOUTH NOISE] I'm good. I'm good. In your company's future.