There are a number of factors that affect employee motivation. We will discuss a few of them below:


1. Fair Compensation

Most people think that salaries are the only connection between the organization and the employee. However, that line of thinking is flawed. It is not the quantum of salary that matters more but the fairness with respect to the role and performance..

Employee usually demand fair compensation but organizations typically try to hire at salaries lower than market levels. However, this pressure on compensation often harms the organization more in the longer run.

An employee who perceives that he or she is compensated fairly is generally more motivated at work and performs better. Hence fair monetary benefits are critical for the motivation of the employees.


2. Career Opportunities

Employees tend to be motivated more by career opportunities than just compensation, especially after a few years in their careers. These opportunities could in the form of promotions, role enhancements, job rotations, special assignments, onsite assignments and even relocation.

In fact, employees are often willing to sacrifice short-term monetary benefits outside the organization for bigger career opportunities within the organization. Hence, it is a great way to motivate and retain top talent within the organization.


3. Employee Recognition

Employee recognition is a token of appreciation for the efforts, performance and contribution of employees towards the organization. It is an acknowledgement from the organization to make employee feels valued for their contribution. It makes them feel that the organization cares about their hard work.

The recognition not only makes the recipient feel important but also motivate others to work towards it. The social status associated with these awards make the employees feel special.


4. Learning and Development Opportunities

When employees give the organization significant chunk of their waking hours, it should also look after their needs and aspirations. The monetary benefits such as salary or incentives are helpful in the short run.

However, in the long run, employees look for personal development opportunities such as training programs, seminars, workshops, etc. These events also break the mundane cycle of work and help the employee to hone his or her skills.

Adobe has a ‘pursue your hobby’ plan to encourage employees to take up short workshops to pursue their interests. Hence, it creates a positive impact on the psyche of employees and make them more motivated at work.


5. Great Work Culture

The work culture in any organization is the most important aspect to keep your employees motivated. Hence, the management needs to create a positive work culture where employees can work with little stress. In a flexible corporate culture, employees are allowed to dress casually in comfortable clothing.

Replacing archaic office furniture with modern, bright and cheerful workspaces can help in creating a more pleasant work environment. When an employee enjoys the work environment in which he or she works, the productivity increases.

These concepts are utilized by the likes of Amazon, Flipkart, British Telecommunication, etc. to design their offices. Apart from physical workspace, an open, vibrant and dynamic work culture can motivate employees to work harder and perform better.

Openness, empowerment, and collaboration should be key elements of the work culture to motivate employees. In fact , leaders play in a critical role in building the work culture by setting their own examples.


6. Employee Welfare Programs

When a person works in the organization, he or she is part of a larger family. Team outings, family days and annual meets make the employees feel more inclusive. Other benefits such as family insurance, medical plans, and wellness programs are also important.