David Schoorman, who teaches human resource management at Purdue's Krannert School of Management, also consults extensively with industry. People putting together compensation and benefit plans often underestimate the value of growth opportunities, both professional and personal, as motivational tools. Still, all is not lost, says Schoorman.
Creative managers can work within a company structure to keep employees motivated.
Give employees challenging tasks that allow for visibility and professional growth. For more social employees, make team or group work situations available. Above all, says Schoorman, supervisors and managers need to build and maintain individual relationships with employees. That's the only true way to know what does motivate them.