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Motivating Employees

The reason people work and why well-motivated employees are important  
More efficient workers, more innovative ideas, more competitive, low rate of absenteeism, better quality goods and services, a lower rate of labor turnover (how many employees leave every year).
 

What is motivation – intrinsic and extrinsic  

Intrinsic motivation
involves doing something because it’s personally rewarding to you. 

Extrinsic motivation
involves doing something because you want to earn a reward or avoid punishment. 

Taylor’s Theory  

Frederick Winslow Taylor based his idea on assumptions that all individuals are motivated by personal gain. If they are paid more, they will work more effectively and produce more units. 

• Workers are given one repetitive task so they can learn to master it
• Managers should give orders and closely control workers
• Workers should be paid per item they produced – piece rate

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Maslow’s Theory:

Maslow’s Theory in simplicity is a hierarchy of needs that Abraham Maslow believes is most crucial to a worker’s needs and wants

• Workers must have a lower level of needs fully met before being motivated to reach the next level
• Different workers are motivated by different methods and at a different pace than other workers.

Herzeberg theory  

Hygiene factors make workers feel somewhat satisfied but not motivated. When workers have their motivators they will be both satisfied and motivated. 

Frederick Herzeberg believed that the two main factors that influence how a worker feels is based on two aspects:

• Job Dissatisfaction (Influenced by Hygiene Factors)
• Job Satisfaction (Influenced by Motivation Factors)

Combinations:

The best combination is obviously to have high motivation and hygiene factors which results in less complaints and high levels of productivity within the workplace. Hence by ensuring each of these factors are met, employers are able to reach the ideal situation for their workers

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Financial and Non-Financial rewards as methods of motivation  

Financial Rewards: 

The method of payment or financial rewards is used to provide an incentive to employees to encourage them to work hard and effectively.

Non-Financial Rewards: 

Many non-financial methods of motivation are focused on increasing the level of job satisfaction.

• Job rotation
• Job enrichment (increased responsibility/tasks can lead to earning more money & skills)
• Autonomous work groups or teamworking
• Training
• Promotion

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