Employees Are Motivated by Money, But Not For The Reason You May Think:

Addressing a Common Misconception Regarding Employee’s Motivation and Money

As a speaker and trainer specializing in employees’ engagement and recognition, it is rare for a training to go by without at least one person, when referring to some of their less vocal or engaged employees, saying “Employees are just here for the money” or “Employee are only motivated by money.” In many, cases they are right, but not for the reasons they may think.  

 Sadly, there are many people, who drag themselves out of bed each day and show up to their job simply because they wouldn’t get paid if they didn’t. It is an all to common mistake of managers to think that these people are motivated by money, but it is not the money that gets them out of bed; it is what the money allows them to do.

  “Employees are not motivated by money,  Employees are motivated by what the money allows them to do.”

 Recently, I ran a program for a group of postal workers in the Middle East. As with most postal workers around the world, conditions are not easy and pay is less than ideal. In the back of the room was Elie, a big burley gentleman who had been with the postal service for the majority of his working life. I asked, “Elie, what do you value the most?” He responded by saying, “My family.” I followed up with, “Elie, I bet it was never your dream to work at the post office, but I bet you show up each day because you love your family more than the world and you would do anything for them.” Elie nodded and then put his head down to cover his tears.

  “A Manager who believes their employee is only motivated by money has failed to truly understand what their employee needs the money for.”

 For Elie, the money allowed him to provide for his family. For others, it may pay for university, help them buy the Porsche they always dreamed off, cover a trip to Rome, or allow them to take a new love interest on a hot date! Maybe your company’s health insurance provides care for their sick wife, or the flexible schedule, allows them to commit time to their true passion.  It is the manager’s job to learn how to identify your people’s passion

 Next time you catch yourself thinking that one of your employees is just there for the money, ask yourself what does this person need the money for? By exploring why they need the money, you may just uncover your employee’s true motivation and passion.

 Next time you catch yourself thinking that one of your employees is just there for the money, ask yourself what does this person need the money for? By exploring why they need the money, you may just uncover your employee’s true motivation and passion.  

 Take Action:

How do you learn more about your employee’s passions?  Ask them! I know this sounds obvious, but you would be amazed by how many managers first thought is to start by observing or asking others, before actually going up and talking to their employees.

 Try asking:

• “What has you showing up to work each day?”
• “Why did you originally apply to work here?”

Be authentic. Instead of giving them the canned “I work at this company because of the great values and mission” share your real reason for taking the job.” I needed a job and since this one pays well and is close to home I can spend more time with my kids. The more honest you are with your people the more honest they will be back.

About the Author

Christopher Littlefield, is the founder of AcknowledgmentWorks. He trains leaders around the world in the Art of Acknowledgment and Engagement. His work revolves around the understanding that at the heart of all of our relationships is the experience of feeling valued. Conducting over 400 interviews and collecting thousands of surveys around the globe have shaped Chris’ unique understanding of what employees really want and need to feel valued. Chris has worked with Fidelity Investments, Kraft Foods, United Nations, The Lebanese Postal Service and more. Watch Chris as he shares his research at TEDx Beirut.