Managers are challenged with building employee loyalty as employees are opting to leave their company for better job opportunities. Some companies are focusing on perks such as team-building activities, company picnics, rock-climbing walls, zip lines and others. But do these perks actually make workers decide to stay with their company for less salary? The answer is NO. Salary plays an important role in an employee's decision to stay with a company or move on to another job. In order to increase employee loyalty, many companies have implemented employee retention bonuses. While retention bonuses still may not be enough for some employees, for others, it's a good thing, especially if they like their job.

• Consider your jobs, summer jobs, part-time jobs, work-study hours on campus, and internships. What meant more to you - the salary you made or the extent to which you were treated as a real contributor and not just a line on a payroll ledger? Or a combination of both?