We often focus on immediate benefits like salary, health insurance, employment perks, and working conditions when choosing an employer, but the first lesson may be to not underestimate the value of a traditional pension plan in choosing an employer.

FORBES: How You Can Adopt the "7 Habits of Highly Confident Retirees"

In times of crisis, this is clear, but even in our everyday working environments, managers need to keep in mind that employees who are worrying about whether their basic security needs are going to be met, like salary, job location, and health insurance, cannot focus successfully on how they can make a difference, work creatively and collaboratively, or help take the organization to the next level.

FORBES: Four Big Management Lessons From Hurricane Sandy

Salary negotiation should be in there but maybe just like the typical job seeker the focus on getting the job is so overwhelming that negotiating to ensure you are paid the market value becomes an after thought.

FORBES: I Did Not Know To Ask for Salary Negotiation Help

That connection leads to a focus on longer-term investments and growth, lower worker-to-management salary ratios, and a strong commitment to employees, especially in tough times.

FORBES: The Key To Job Growth Is On The Kitchen Table