Motivated employees form the pillars of a successful organization. Discussed below are a few reasons why employee motivation is so important:
 
1. Higher Productivity

Research has revealed that a high level of motivation can increase employee productivity by at least 12%.
 
Motivated employees are known to display greater focus and commitment towards completing the work assigned to them in time, without asking for more resources or extension of deadlines.

 
2. Better Quality of Work

Motivated employees are likely to deliver a better quality of output, ensuring there are lesser errors and lesser need for rework.

 
3. Enhanced Customer Experience
 
Customer experience can get a boost when employees are motivated. They are likely to be more committed to the needs of the customers and are willing to go that extra mile to ensure their satisfaction.
 
 
4. Better Problem Solving
 
Motivated employees will put in their best efforts to overcome internal or external challenges that they might face while completing their work.
 
They are less likely to offer these challenges as excuses for delays. They are also more likely to take the initiative to muster all the help and resources required to get the work done.

 
5. Greater Collaboration

Motivated employees tend to show greater willingness to help their coworkers and offer support and guidance to each other.
 
They are likely to create a positive and focused work environment, with high levels of coordination and camaraderie between themselves. They are more likely to think about the greater good of the organization and overcome challenges together.

 
6. Less Need for Supervision

Motivated employees most often need little or no supervision and can work independently without any follow-up from their supervisors. They would reach out to their supervisors or their coworkers themselves if they need any help or support.  

 
7. Greater Innovation and Creativity
 
Motivated employees are likely to come up with innovative solutions for business problems. They are more likely to display more creativity at work.
 
They would also work towards simplifying business processes and driving continuous improvements at the workplace. They are also likely to bring in new ideas from outside to drive improvements at work.


Read: What should organizations do for Employee Motivation?

Timely and appropriate rewards and recognition can help drive employee motivation. This is how it works:

 
1. Enhances their Self-esteem

When employees are rewarded and recognized for their hard work and their contribution, they feel truly valued. It helps in enhancing their sense of self-worth and assures them that their work is making a positive impact to the success of their organization.

Such employees feel motivated and inspired of being a much-valued part of the organization.

 
2. Increases Job Satisfaction

According to a research report, 86% of the employees feel happier upon being rewarded and appreciated at work. Recognition and job satisfaction is strongly correlated as employees are able to understand the significance and the impact their work in the larger scheme of things.

Happier and satisfied employees are likely to be more motivated and inspired to do more.
 

3. Enhances Social Value

An effective employee rewards and recognition program not only ensures that the employee feels ‘rewarded’ and ‘recognized’ but also gains social visibility among his or he coworkers.
 
Getting social visibility and respect gives a huge boost to the motivation level of the employee.

 
4. Promotes a Sense of Belonging

Employee rewards and recognition is a great way to acknowledge and appreciate the employee’s contribution and to make him or her feel that they are an integral part of the organization and its success.
 
This sense of belonging of employees who have been recognized is one of the ways recognition motivates employees.

 
5. Provides a Greater Sense of Purpose

Acknowledgement of employee performance and achievements in form of rewards and recognition gives them a deeper sense of purpose and enhances their engagement levels.
 
Employees who are recognized can see a stronger alignment of their work with the overall organization goals, increasing their level of motivation.