Employee retention is challenging for many companies, but Royalty Network—a family-owned, independent music publishing and royalties company—has cracked the code. While turnover can drain time, energy, and resources, Royalty Network has successfully retained loyal employees for decades, with some team members celebrating over 20 years with the company. The secret? A blend of values-driven leadership, employee engagement, and a culture that makes people feel like they’re part of something bigger than just a job. Here’s a look at the three key ways Royalty Network keeps their employees loyal for the long haul.
A Values-Driven Culture That Puts People First
At Royalty Network, it’s not just about profits and projects—it’s about people. As a family-owned business, they’ve built a culture centered around trust, respect, and real human connection. This values-driven approach permeates everything they do, making employees feel valued and appreciated. You’re not just another cog in the machine when you walk into their offices. You’re part of the family.
The result? Employees who have stuck around for 10, 20, even 27 years. Royalty Network has four employees with over 20 years of service, one with over 10 years, and three others with five-plus years—including the return of Daniel Abowd, recently announced as the President & General Counsel for the company. And it’s not just the full-time staff who are loyal. One of their long-term consultants, their West Coast Director, is celebrating 27 years with the company, and their Director of Social Media has been consulting for seven years.
In today’s fast-moving job market, those kinds of numbers speak volumes. This loyalty directly results from the company’s commitment to creating an environment where employees feel supported and empowered. It’s not just a place to clock in and out; it’s a place where people feel genuinely good about their work. And when employees feel that way, they’re less likely to jump ship for the next shiny offer.
Engagement at Every Level
Employee engagement is a buzzword thrown around a lot, but Royalty Network takes it seriously. They understand engagement isn’t just about scheduling team-building exercises or offering free snacks in the breakroom. It’s about fostering genuine relationships between leadership and staff. At Royalty Network, managers don’t just manage—they stay actively engaged with their teams, checking in regularly and making sure employees feel heard and understood.
It’s not a top-down approach, either. Communication flows both ways, creating an atmosphere of openness and collaboration. This level of engagement builds trust and makes employees feel like they’re part of a community, not just a corporate structure. In fact, Royalty Network currently has six employees who have been with the company for two to five years—a sign that even newer team members feel engaged and supported.
In a business world where turnover is often the norm, Royalty Network’s hands-on approach to employee engagement has kept people invested in their work and committed to the company. Knowing your voice matters makes you much more likely to stay put.
Blending Tech and Human-Centered Design
We live in a world where technology is king, and while AI and automation can streamline business operations, they can also make the workplace feel cold and impersonal. Not at Royalty Network. They’ve found a way to strike the perfect balance between embracing tech and maintaining a human-centered design approach. Yes, they use AI to handle complex royalty calculations, but they don’t let tech replace the personal connections that make work meaningful.
Their employees aren’t just number-crunchers—they’re relationship-builders. By automating mundane tasks, Royalty Network frees up time for employees to focus on the work that really matters: building and maintaining relationships with artists and clients. This approach keeps the business running smoothly and keeps employees engaged and motivated. Repetitive tasks do not bog them down—they’re empowered to do work that has a real impact.
This mix of tech and human-centered thinking allows employees to feel part of something innovative while staying connected to the company’s core values. It’s a powerful combination that keeps people excited about their work and committed to the long-term vision.
The Power of Retention
In an era where employee turnover is the norm, Royalty Network has managed to keep its people for the long haul by focusing on what truly matters: culture, engagement, and a human touch. Their values-driven approach, emphasis on communication and engagement, and smart use of technology have created a workplace where people don’t just want to work—they want to stay. And when employees are this loyal, it’s not just good for morale—it’s good for business.
By retaining employees who are genuinely invested in the company’s mission, Royalty Network has built a strong foundation for future success. And as they continue to grow, one thing is clear: happy, engaged employees are their greatest asset.
