EOHCB: Staff Management - Intrinsic Motivation

Employees with low job satisfaction are expensive. They have a higher rate of absenteeism, are less productive than their more engaged counterparts, and contribute little to the company’s overall profitability. When all is said and done, an unengaged employee will cost your business up to 34% of their annual salary simply due to poor performance.

Motivation is the driving force behind any successful team. It is what pushes team members to work together, innovate, and achieve their goals. However, not all motivation is equal, and intrinsic motivation is often considered to be the most powerful form. Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal desire to pursue a task or goal for its own sake, rather than for external rewards or pressure. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of intrinsic motivation of a team.

1. Greater Creativity

One of the primary advantages of intrinsic motivation is that it often leads to greater creativity. When team members are motivated by their own internal desires, they are more likely to think outside the box and generate innovative ideas. They are not constrained by external pressures to conform or follow pre-existing guidelines. This leads to a more dynamic and original team environment, where new ideas can be freely explored and developed.

2. Higher Engagement

Another advantage of intrinsic motivation is that it leads to higher levels of engagement. When team members are working on tasks or projects that align with their personal interests and values, they are more likely to feel invested in the work. This investment translates into a higher level of engagement and commitment to the project, which can lead to higher-quality work and better outcomes.

3. Increased Autonomy

Intrinsic motivation also allows for increased autonomy within a team. When team members are motivated by their own interests and desires, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and feel comfortable making decisions without constant supervision. This autonomy can lead to a more efficient and productive team, as team members are able to work independently and trust each other to complete tasks.

4. Better Performance

Intrinsic motivation is also linked to better performance. When team members are motivated by their own internal desires, they are more likely to set high standards for themselves and push themselves to excel. This can lead to higher quality work, better outcomes, and a greater sense of accomplishment for the team as a whole.

5. Improved Satisfaction

Finally, intrinsic motivation can lead to improved satisfaction among team members. When team members are working on tasks that align with their personal interests and values, they are more likely to feel fulfilled by the work. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and a more positive team environment, where team members are supportive and invested in each other's success.

In conclusion, intrinsic motivation is a powerful force that can have numerous benefits for a team. By promoting creativity, engagement, autonomy, performance, and satisfaction, intrinsic motivation can lead to a more successful and fulfilling team experience. As leaders, it is important to foster intrinsic motivation within our teams by aligning tasks and projects with team members' personal interests and values, promoting autonomy and ownership, and creating a positive and supportive team environment.

For any further information or enquiries please contact the EOHCB representative in your area by clicking HERE.