Find out the meaning of employee motivation and how it can be measured.

Employee motivation definition, formula and examples

In the business world, the significance of motivated employees cannot be overemphasized. But, what is employee motivation? Actually, it is a concept that is never easy to define. However, although there is an employee motivation definition pdf, in general terms, it is employee’s enthusiasm to carry out their responsibilities at their workplaces. An internal force encourages an individual to take action. Biological, social, emotional, and intellectual factors influence one’s motivation.


Assessing employee’s motivation

It is hard to measure motivation, since, it has a qualitative value. Therefore, no mathematical formula assesses the aspect. Nonetheless, you can take certain measures, which will enable you to gauge the motivation levels of your employees.

First, you need to determine the types of motivations. Using the surveys, you can assess the attitudes of the employees towards internal and external motivations. At the end of it, you will know what motivates your employees, may it be incentives or flexible work schedules. You will find there are employees who are motivated internally and externally. Those with internal drives to perform duties are crucial for the company’s success. On the other hand, externally motivated workers will only deliver as long as the rewards and recognition are maintained.

Next, you need to assess the goals of the employee. Usually, motivation often manifests itself in the objectives the employee sets for themselves, and the organization. When you are using goal assessment as a tool for determining employee motivation, you should make a few considerations. Are the goals specific? How does the employee define failure or success in relation to those goals? It is also important to assess the complexity of the goals, and if they can be actualized.

Another way of examining motivation in your employees is by studying if the organization is offering the right incentives. They can be monetary or based on recognition, without any compensation. You can implement a hybrid of these programs, to assess the one that motivates your employees best. However, keep in mind that different employees will be motivated by diverse incentives. You can make a decision to keep recognition or incentive programs, which drive most enthusiasm in your employees.

While it is difficult to measure motivation through quantitative means, you can do it indirectly. For instance, you can determine the percentage of employees who are committed to the company’s goals. You can administer employee satisfaction surveys. Experts argue that satisfaction levels indicate motivation. Once you investigate the motivation levels, you can put the necessary measures to improve them.

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