How to Improve Motivation in the Workplace

What  decreases motivation?   Did you know that if you start your career without pay (volunteer) you will most likely dislike your work once you get paid?

What increases motivation?  Continuous feedback as it improves competence and relatedness.  The three innate needs that improves motivation is relatedness, autonomy and competence.  

What motivates new solutions?  If the old strategies that you use fail, then you will start to work on new solutions.  But if you are stubborn, this may take some time!

Did you know that extrinsic rewards such as an increase in salary can stifle intrinsic motivation as it can compromise the innate needs (as mentioned above)?

Extrinsic rewards such as an increase in salary will only improve motivation for the short term, but if you make the person feel competent then their motivation will continue.

To improve motivation, both extrinsic and intrinsic rewards should be used.  

Emphasis on intrinsic goals such as life goals and personal and professional development is associated with "greater health, well-being and performance" (Deci & Ryan, 2008, p. 183).

Reference: Deci, E., L., & Ryan, R., M. (2008). Self-Determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health.  Canadian Psychology, 49, 3, 182-185.