My apologies to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones for my witty, yet possibly lame blog post title.

We are loyal to certain brands and products.

I am loyal to Coke, Target, the University of Florida, my wife, the United States of America, and so on...

But am I loyal to my current employer? 

There was an article in the November 2011 issue of Chief Learning Officer magazine.  Titled "Whatever Happened to Employee Loyalty," the article shares the results of an internet poll conducted in July 2011 by KEYGroup. 

The question was "What makes you loyal to your organization?" and the responses varied by generations.  Disclaimer:  Sample size was small (n=224).

 - Mature generation (born 1922-1945):  100% said they believed in the MISSION of the organization

 - Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964):  47% also chose MISSION and 41% chose CHALLENGING WORK

 - Generation X (born 1965-1980):  53% chose CAREER ADVANCEMENT

 - Millenials (born 1981-2000's):  58% chose LIKEABLE CO-WORKERS

The very idea of loyalty has taken on a whole new meaning since the recession began in 2007.  Many employees will only be loyal until they can get another job.  With few job transfer opportunities available, your employees may seem loyal when in fact they are not.

So what can you do during these times to keep employees loyal to you and your company?

1.  If there was ever a time to lead, it is now.  If you are treating your employees like dirt (i.e. more work, less recognition), they will leave as soon as the economy improves...and they will lower their productivity from now until then.

2.  Make the work environment fun.  Create competitions, include food, have fun contests (door decorating, ping pong, best chili cookoff, etc.)  The workplace should be fun, not futile.

3.  Be aware of the generational differences mentioned above.  Make sure your millenials are surrounded by their peers.  Make sure your boomers continue to be challenged on a daily basis. 

This is one of the most challenging eras in which to lead.  Now is the time for you, as a leader, to show that you are loyal to your employees!