Final answer:
The single most important variable in employee productivity and loyalty is work content.
Step-by-step explanation:
The single most important variable in employee productivity and loyalty, according to Gallup polls, is work content.
Research has shown that the work-content factor, which includes variety, difficulty level, and role clarity of the job, is the most strongly predictive factor of overall job satisfaction. In contrast, there is only a weak correlation between pay level and job satisfaction.
This means that the nature of the work, including the tasks involved and the sense of purpose, is more influential in determining employee productivity and loyalty than the physical factors or financial rewards.
For example, employees who find their work meaningful and enjoyable are more likely to be productive and loyal to their organization than those who feel their work lacks variety or clarity.