The Top Motivator at Work

Personal satisfaction tops money, respect, promotion

We may all want money, respect and status but most Canadians say it’s personal satisfaction that motivates them to do a good job at work, according to the latest Monster.ca online poll.

The new online poll, involving 6,424 Canadians, asked the following question: “What motivates you most to do a good job?”

Nearly half of all participants (45%) chose “personal satisfaction” as their top motivator. Another 29% chose “money”, while just 21% said “respect from colleagues or the boss” motivates them the most. As for getting promoted, only 5% cited that as the top reason to do a good job.

Personal satisfaction rated even higher among the 689 French Canadians responding to the French version of the poll, with 58% making it their top choice as a motivator. Another 19% chose money, 18% chose respect and about 4% chose promotion.

The poll results are part of a global poll in which 28,301 people participated across Europe. In that poll, 45% chose “personal satisfaction” as the top motivator at work, 31% chose money, 18% chose respect and 6% chose promotion.

Money, career advancement and recognition are important but ultimately people want to feel satisfaction, accomplishment and even pride that comes from a job well done.

Interestingly enough, personal satisfaction and accomplishment at work will not just drive people to do well, but to keep growing, improving and exceeding expectations. Whether you are an employee or an employer the importance of this message should not be underestimated.