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


1. Fair Compensation

Most of us think that the salary given to the employee is the only connection between an organization and an employee. However, that line of thinking is flawed. It is never about the quantum of salary but the fairness and alignment of compensation to the job description, effort, and performance of the employee that is perceived as more important for the employees.

An employee has every right to demand fair compensation but organizations usually try to hire at employees at lower salaries than the market levels. However, this pressure on the compensation often harms the organization more in the longer run.

An employee who perceives that he or she is compensated fairly will be more motivated to work for the organization and perform better. Hence fair monetary benefits are critical for the motivation of the employees.


2. Career Opportunities

Employees are more often than not motivated by career opportunities than just compensation, especially after a few years in their careers. These opportunities could come in the form of promotions, role changes, job rotations, special assignments, onsite assignments and even relocation to another office.

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

An employee recognition program is a small token of appreciation such as appreciation mails, calls, award certificates, and small employee rewards are a part of this. It is an acknowledgement from the organization to make the employee feel valued for his or her contribution. It makes him or her feel that the organization cares about his or her hard work.

These awards not only make the recipient feel important but also motivate the other members or employees to work hard for it. The social status associated with these awards makes the employees feel special.


4. Learning and Development Opportunities

When an employee gives his or her one-third of the day every week for the organization, it is important for the organization to look after the needs and aspirations of the employee. The monetary benefits such as salary or incentives are helpful in the short run.

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

Adobe has ‘pursue your hobby’ plan for every employee through which they encourage the employees to take up short workshops to pursue their interests. This creates a positive impact on the psyche of the employee and makes him more motivated to work for the organization.


5. Great Work Culture

The work culture in any organization is the most important aspect to keep your employees motivated. 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 the archaic office furniture with new unique themes and creating bright and cheerful workplaces are a few of the things the organizations can do to create a work culture. When an employee enjoys the work environment in which he or she works, the productivity increases.

This is the concept utilized by the likes of Amazon, Flipkart, British Telecommunication, etc. to design their offices. Apart from the physical office environment, creating an open, vibrant and dynamic work culture is very important to motivate employees to work hard and perform better.

Openness, empowerment, and collaboration should be key elements of the work culture to motivate employees. Leaders play in a y 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 outing, 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.