Spoiler: It’s respect and fair pay, not just inspiring projects.

Loyalty Isn’t About the Glamour

In the fast-paced world of creative and digital work, it’s easy to assume that dazzling projects and high-profile briefs are what keep talent hooked. But when we asked creatives and digital professionals what truly drives their loyalty over the long term, the answers surprised us.

A whopping 52% pointed to fair pay and conditions, 42% said respect and recognition, and here’s the kicker — not a single person chose inspiring projects as the main loyalty driver.

In a world full of flashy pitches and exciting briefs, it’s the fundamentals — the core human needs, that keep people sticking around.

The Power of Fair Pay and Conditions (52%)

Competitive and transparent pay is non-negotiable in 2025. Talented creatives know their worth and expect it to be reflected in their compensation.

But fair pay isn’t just about the dollar figure. It includes benefits like flexible work arrangements, clear job security, and work-life balance. When these conditions are met, creatives feel valued beyond their output.

The flip side? Underpaying or overworking your creative team can lead to high turnover, burnout, and the loss of critical intellectual property, all costly consequences for any business.

At Artisan, we partner with clients to benchmark pay and build fair, attractive packages that help retain top talent for the long haul.

Respect and Recognition, The Human Element (42%)

Money isn’t everything. Respect and recognition play a huge role in fostering loyalty.

But recognition isn’t about flashy annual awards, it’s a daily, ongoing cultural practice. It’s about genuinely valuing diverse voices, giving creative autonomy, and providing constructive feedback that helps people grow.

Great managers and recruiters, like those at Artisan, foster respect from day one. When respect is baked into the company culture, teams transform, productivity spikes, and loyalty deepens.

We’ve seen businesses shift dramatically simply by prioritising respect, proving that this human element is a game changer.

Why ‘Inspiring Projects’ Didn’t Make the Cut

It might seem surprising that inspiring projects didn’t rate as a top loyalty factor. But passion for great work can quickly burn out without the right environment.

Think of inspiring projects as the icing on the cake, they enhance the experience but don’t replace solid fundamentals like fair pay and respect.

Creative passion needs support and sustainability to thrive. Without that, even the most exciting brief won’t keep talent long-term.

Career Growth + Learning: The Silent Loyalty Factor (6%)

While pay and culture take center stage, career growth and ongoing learning quietly contribute to loyalty.

Many creatives acknowledge the importance of development opportunities but find them often sidelined.

When combined with fair pay and respect, continuous learning becomes a powerful motivator to stay engaged and grow within a company.

Artisan is committed to supporting creative development and clear career pathways, helping candidates and clients plan for sustainable futures.

How Artisan Helps Businesses Build Loyalty That Lasts

We help businesses craft offers that balance fair pay, respect, and growth opportunities, the three pillars of lasting loyalty.

Our approach goes beyond skills, recruiting for culture fit to ensure the right people find the right environment.

Plus, our ongoing support keeps both candidates and clients engaged long after the placement.

We have plenty of success stories showcasing long-term placements with impressive retention rates — because loyalty isn’t luck; it’s strategy.

Ready to Build a Creative Team That Stays and Thrives?

Employers: Want to build a loyal creative team that stays and grows? Let’s talk strategy.

Creatives: Ready for a role where you’re truly valued? Discover opportunities with Artisan.