A survey by HR and payroll software provider Ciphr among 256 U.K.-based CEOs and senior managers revealed that while pay may be the top reason behind productivity (40%), other means to motivate staff include:

  • bonus or performance incentives (31%)
  • flexible working (30%)
  • healthy working environment (29%)
  • respectful and supportive management (28%)
  • positive feedback (27%)
  • enjoying their job (26%)
  • extra employee perks and rewards (26%)
  • opportunities to learn new skills (25%)
  • meaningful work (25%)
  • being listened to (24%)
  • clear career path or development opportunities (24%)
  • being encouraged to succeed or encouragement (22%)
  • being part of a supportive team (22%)
  • having a passion for their work (22%)
  • extra paid annual leave (22%)
  • feeling valued and important to the organisation (22%)
  • having a say or being involved in decisions that impact them (21%)
  • being challenged at work in a positive way (20%)

“This research is a good reminder to employers that there are lots of other factors that motivate employees that aren’t pay related, and are great ways to improve engagement and, ultimately, performance.