Motivating Employees: Non Financial Motivators

The Access HR Team | 1 Dec 2008 1:08 PM

We all understand that keeping employees motivated is good for business. But in a time where we are all looking to cut costs how can a business motivate their staff without outlaying alot of money?

Abraham Maslow developed his hierarchy of needs based on research about what motivates people to work. He suggested that there were 5 levels of need that influence a person's behaviour:

Basic needs - food, drink and shelter

Safety needs - protection against danger, threat, deprivation

Social needs - the need for belonging, acceptance, friendship

Self-esteem needs - reputation, status

Self-actualization - the need for realizing one's own potential for continual self-development

So, how can a business provide for these needs?

Basic needs - a fair wage, a meal and rest facilities

Safety needs - job security, safe working conditions

Social needs - team work, interaction with colleagues

Self-esteem needs - acknowledgement of a job done well

Self-actualization - opportunities for internal promotions, career pathways

Workplace experts explain that people want to be doing interesting, challenging work, where they have some variety, some autonomy and some control over what they are doing day to day. With a bit of thought even the simplest job can be made interesting for employees.

It is important to remember that the salary may be a key factor that attracts people to jobs but to keep them and influence their performance, non-financial rewards are imperative.

References: More to staff motivation than a pay packet, Quantum Edge
www.revision-notes.co.uk