Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Highly Competitive Market

The three most valued priorities for employees.

Let’s face it—finding and keeping top talent in today’s hyper-competitive market is a blood sport. The rules have changed, and the days of flashy perks and foosball tables sealing the deal are long gone. Employees are sharper, savvier, and more selective than ever. If you want to build a team that doesn’t just survive but dominates, you need to give them what they actually value.

The Big Three: What Employees Really Want

1. Control Over Their Time – Flexibility isn’t a perk anymore—it’s the price of admission. Remote work, hybrid schedules, and the freedom to balance work with life aren’t negotiable. Fail to offer it, and you’ll watch top talent walk out the door.

2. Growth That Actually Matters – Employees aren’t sticking around for vague promises of “opportunities.” They want real pathways to level up—skills, promotions, and challenges that make them better. Show them the next step, or someone else will.

3. A Culture That Doesn’t Suck – Toxic environments? Hard pass. People want to work where they’re valued, recognized, and part of something bigger than themselves. Authenticity beats corporate fluff every time.

How to Win the Game

• Pay Like You Mean It. Don’t lowball—top talent knows their worth. Back it up with bonuses and benefits that make sense.

• Invest in Their Future. Training, mentorship, and development programs show employees you’re in it for the long haul.

• Recognize and Reward. Celebrate wins—big and small. People stick around where they feel seen.

Bottom line? Talent is the lifeblood of your business. Treat them like an afterthought, and you’ll bleed out. Build a culture that respects what they value, and you’ll keep the kind of people who don’t just do the job—they own it.

Steve Brazell, Founder of Hitman Inc., Competition Removal®