With unemployment remaining at a sustained high and the state of the economy, how is an employee's sense of value in the workplace? Research has shown the less value an employee feels may result in reduced engagement at work and lack of motivation.

When you look around your office, does anyone stand out? Could it be you?

Gauging an employee's sense of value can be tricky because we all place value on different things, especially when we are employees. Some companies go to great lengths, even in this economy, to show employees they are valued as people, not just company assets.

• Compensation
• Leadership Interaction
• Advancement Opportunities
• Paid Sick Leave-- READ More on This Topic>> Working Mother's  Taking a Temperature on US Paid Sick Leave
• Recognition Programs
• Health Benefits
• Communication-- stating goals and strategic plans through meetings, emails, notes, etc.

All of these items play an important role in workplace morale. We play a role in it as well.  I came across an interesting study from Make Their Day- Employee Recognition That Works. Taken in 2010, the results indicated that people felt less valued than the year prior. No surprise there.

Why did the survey group feel less valued?

You may think it was compensation, benefits or work overload. Not exactly.

Employees felt less valued as a result of the behavior of their manager. In this particular survey, it boiled down to the relationship the employee had with the manager. Employees didn't feel valued when the manager didn't seem to care.

Synergy, motivation and engagement are a result of the relationships we have with our colleagues. If the combination is there, achievement can reach new heights. If it's lacking, then it's likely the outcome will be as well.

Whether we are in a corporate environment, work from home or own a business, the relationships we build with others is the most important piece to the "value" puzzle.

What makes you feel valued at work?