Motivators and Satisfiers – What Employees Say

Earlier, we outlined the two sets of factors – Motivators and Dissatisfiers, based on the years of excellent research by a true motivational guru, Dr. Frederick Herzberg. In this section, we will amplify his guiding principles and show you how to apply his valuable lessons in your workplace.

Years ago, a study asked workers to rank the Top 10 Motivators and the Top 10 Satisfiers.  It was a non-scientific study, but we think that you’ll agree that it does do a good job of summarizing what employees hope for – and dread.

Employees want:

Top 10 Motivators

1.    Good chance for advancement

2.    A job with good pay

3.    A job with pay tied to performance

4.    Recognition for good work

5.    A job which enables me to develop my abilities

6.    A challenging job

7.    A job where I can think for myself

8.    A great deal of responsibility

9.    Interesting work

10.  A job requiring creativity

Top 10 Satisfiers

1.    A job without too much rush and stress

2.    A convenient location

3.    Good working conditions

4.    Working with people I like

5.    Getting along with my supervisor

6.    Being informed about what goes on

7.    Being able to control the work place

8.    Flexible working hours

9.    Good fringe benefits

10.  Fair treatment

If you were to make your own list, it would probably be similar.  These utopian wishes are nearly universal, but in the New Economy, they are almost unattainable.  This is due to a number of factors which we call the Four Contingencies:

1.  Uncertainty

2.  Risks

3. Volatility

4.  Information Overload

These four issues are addressed in our training programs, as they affect our Finances, our Work, and our Families.  Watch for them in our website Blogs and Webinars at www.leedubois.com.

Co-author Steve Carroll is president and CEO of Lee DuBois Technologies (www.leedubois.com).  Lee DuBois Technologies offers sales training and talent development for individuals and corporations.  To purchase a copy of Don’t Sell Yourself Short…Be All That You Can Be!, visit the website, www.dontsellyourselfshort.net .