
Provide at-market rate, is the number one priority. Ability to have breaks between projects to reduce burnout. Provide more benefits such as work-from-home budget for better chairs, tables, reimbursement on internet. Provide work-life balance incentive for better mental and physical health.
Incentives from recognition is unfortunately taxable. I would rather take a gift card to Starbuck or Amazon. Consistent merit on YE reviews did not provide an early promotion or raise. Being paid the same as others who do not do equal work. Yearly raises are BELOW inflation rate.