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The authors of a recent article by the Harvard Business Review do an excellent job of explaining why managers are often at a loss as to how to effectively motivate uninspired employees. From factors like a sense of purpose and autonomy to rewards such as recognition and compensation, the authors explore the intricate psychology behind what truly motivates employees and why conventional approaches often fall short.

Cracking the code behind employee motivation requires managers who truly understand nuanced interplay of factors that influence employee motivation and offer actionable strategies for cultivating a more engaged workforce. Here is just a sample of the hidden drivers of employee disengagement.

1. Ignoring Individual Differences: One-size-fits-all approaches fail to acknowledge the diverse personalities, preferences, and motivations of employees, treating them as a homogeneous group rather than unique individuals.
2. Underestimating Intrinsic Motivation: Generic motivational tactics often rely heavily on external rewards and incentives, overlooking the importance of intrinsic motivation factors such as autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
3. Ignoring Emotional Intelligence: Motivation is deeply tied to emotions, yet generic approaches often overlook the emotional aspects of engagement. Failing to recognize and address employees' emotional needs can lead to disengagement and burnout.
4. Inadequate Feedback Mechanisms: Generic approaches may lack effective feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for employees to gauge their progress or receive constructive criticism. Without timely and relevant feedback, motivation can quickly wane.
5. Failure to Address Root Causes: Instead of addressing underlying issues such as poor leadership, lack of communication, or toxic work culture, generic motivational tactics often apply superficial fixes that fail to tackle the root causes of disengagement. Without addressing these fundamental issues, sustained motivation remains elusive.

Sustaining motivation requires a deeper understanding of what truly matters to employees .fpSOLUTIONS Employee Surveys help you survey your own employees, analyze the findings and provide solutions and action items to resolve issues or to continue high employee morale. 

The HR professionals behind fpSOLUTIONS Employee Surveys continually collect data across the nation’s labor markets yielding key insights into practices and trends that we use to help our clients, whether they’re looking to set benchmarks for one job or create an entire compensation and benefit plan. To learn more about our employee survey program, click on the Get Started Now button!