Employee Motivation

In the Harvard Management Update, researchers presented that motivation comes from having an enthusiasm for a job, and that employees experience high levels during the first 6 months before deterring. To maintain higher levels employers must understand what employees seek from their work:

Equity: to have fair treatment in pay, benefits, and job security

Achievement: to be proud of one's job, accomplishments, and employer

Camaraderie: to have productive relationships with other employees

Human resources consultant, Ruth Mayhew states that, “...the best type of employee motivation is promoting an employee who exemplifies the quality and performance expectations of the organization.”

The Center for Creative Leadership states that research has shown that growth opportunities within the organization is an important factor in motivation for employees. Employees have a need to get better, either by focusing on one thing, or by having the opportunity to learn new skills.

Researchers from Harvard University agreed that they best way for managers to increase team productivity is to:

• Take actions that directly support their work.
• Foster good work in ways that show respect or give encouragement.
• Remove or prevent obstacles and potentially discouraging experiences, such as interpersonal conflict.