What Motivates You?

Performance Advantage, Inc. recently conducted a nationwide survey of employees that asked what factors motivate them to come to work and give it their best.

The results may surprise you.

EMPLOYEES’ TOP 10 MOTIVATING FACTORS

1. Appreciation/Recognition for a job well done

2. Feeling “in” on issues

3. An understanding attitude from their boss/manager/supervisor

4. Job Security

5. Good Wages

6. Interesting Work

7. Promotional Opportunities

8. Loyalty from management

9. Good working conditions

10. Tactful Discipline

I find the #1 Top Motivating Factor interesting because there seems to be a discrepancy between the need of employees for recognition and the hesitancy of managers to fill this need.

Recognition is not only used to make the employee feel good about their work and accomplishments. That is only a positive by-product.

We should recognize and praise because we want to reinforce a particular effort or result that benefits the business.

The more these specific behaviors are recognized, the more likely it is that an employee will repeat them.

Comment by Talent Drive on May 9, 2008 at 2:02pm: I'm still a young worker out of college and I think of the biggest motivation factors that effect my work is the people around me. I went to a University that was very competitive with itself and that fueled my motivation. If I have lazy people around me the I will be lazy and if everyone is working hard I strive to do the same.

Comment by Jeffrey K. Radt on May 9, 2008 at 2:30pm: That's a good point and I'm surprised it wasn't included on this list now that you mention it. There is definitely something to be said for surrounding yourself with other Top Performers and over-achievers as opposed to the opposite. Thanks for your insight!