Current economic problems and high unemployment numbers are distorting many employers’ perception of the overall happiness and satisfaction of their employees. When unemployment is high and uncertainty in the job market reigns supreme, people with jobs tend to hold onto those jobs, even if they’re not fulfilled in their current position.

Finding and retaining talent may be the most important jobs that any manager performs. Talent is always difficult to find and those employees who demonstrate the greatest potential need to be invested in so that they remain challenged and invested in your company.

Now is the time to invest in their professional development. According to New York Times bestselling business author and organizational behavior expert Dr. Richard Boyatzis, you need to create energy and excitement around your most talented staff members to keep them engaged and enthusiastic. If you invest in them now, then they’ll be less likely to consider other employment options when they emerge (as they certainly will).

Sit down with your best employees to discuss how they want to direct their professional development. Do they need additional training? Do they need to become involved with other departments to develop cross-functional skills? Are there strategic projects that they can help develop and implement with other key members of your staff?

Find interesting opportunities that communicate your respect for their talent and potential, and they won’t jump at the first fresh opportunity that comes along.