Employee motivation is the fuel that propels the organization forward. When motivation levels are high, there is growth; when it’s down, the momentum stalls. So, what motivates your employees? There are various reasons and needs that motivate employees. And your company culture has to address these reasons and needs to foster employee motivation and engagement.

Before we get into this any further, let’s start with the basics.

Why do people work?

Purpose – They want to contribute to the company’s success.
Potential – They want to benefit in the long run in terms of promotions, salary hikes, or greater responsibilities.
Play – They enjoy their daily work as it ignites passion and curiosity in them.
Emotional Pressure – They work to avoid emotional pain they feel when threatened by outside sources, such as family and peers.
Economic Pressure – The financial factors motivate them, such as a desire to earn more or fear of losing their source of income.
Inertia – They work because they have to; they have no goals or reasons to work.

If you notice, the first 3 reasons are positive, and the rest are negative. Employees with positive reasons to work tend to be productive and engaged at work. And companies with growth-oriented culture encourage these positive reasons and build a culture around it.

Work Culture Shapes Employee Motivation and Engagement.

Work and career play a prominent role in helping people meet their wants and needs. That said, the purpose of a business is not to help their employees reach their goals. But, if the employer doesn’t help, they are at risk of losing them.

What are employee needs?

Does your company culture meet these needs?

1. Need to Survive

When you pay them for the work they do for you, some of their survival needs are met. However, survival needs could mean different to different employees.

Are you paying them enough and paying them fairly for the skills and talents they bring to the table?

2. Need to Feel Secure

If your employees don’t feel secure, they will not stay with you.

Does your organization have strong and ethical leadership?
Are you transparent about company performance?
Do you have a strong work culture that doesn’t tolerate harassment, bullying, or hostility?

3. Need to Feel They Belong

Employees with a strong sense of belonging are less likely to leave the company.

Do you always ensure that you hire a culture fit?
Are you paying close attention to onboarding and training needs?
Are the lines of communication between employees and management open?
Do you embrace diversity?

4. Need to Feel Important

People who perceive a sense of importance are engaged in the company’s vision and mission.

Do you acknowledge employees’ achievements?
Do you have rewards and recognition programs?
Do you share employee success stories in the company newsletter or intranet?

5. Need to See Them Achieve Their Goals

Employees want to see themselves grow within the organization and keep evolving.

How are you helping your employees be better versions of themselves?
Do you invest in training and development programs?
Do you conduct CSR activities?
Have you incorporated wellness programs for their overall well-being?
Have you allowed flexible schedules?

If your company addresses each of these needs, it’s highly unlikely for the employee to leave the organization.

Signs Your Company Culture Motivates Employees

Lower absenteeism - Satisfied and happy employees are excited to show up at work every day.
Improved retention - Motivated employees stay for a long period of time with no intentions of leaving the company.
Happier customers - Motivated employees enjoy their work. It’s not just a job to them, resulting in increased customer satisfaction. Satisfied customer equals to happier customers.
Increased profitability - Happy and motivated employees means more productivity, leading to higher profitability.
Better quality candidates - When motivated employees share their positive experience, they generate employee referrals which may be an excellent fit to your culture.

In conclusion: your vision of company culture

Building the right company culture is crucial. It’s a big task, no doubt. But when you dedicate your time and resources to create a company culture that motivates and engages your employees, you are headed towards growth. You’ll attract the best people, and you’ll steer your organization in the right direction.

Impact of Company Culture on Employee Motivation