Capital Incentives & Motivation survey 2005

Survey reveals employees welcome recognition from employers, but few receive it publicly

A significant 62% of respondents to the Capital Incentives & Motivation’s fifth annual motivation survey have rated ‘recognition of achievement’ as the most motivational factor in an incentive scheme.  Yet, despite its potential impact, only 40% indicated that their employer presents awards publicly.

Graham Povey, Managing Director of Capital Incentives & Motivation said, “It is disappointing to see that less than half of employers have recognised the importance and power of public presentation of awards.  More often than not, recognition of a job well done is more important than the actual reward itself, with employees welcoming and remembering the chance to shine in front of their colleagues.  I hope that the results of this survey will prompt more employers to add this additional element into their existing schemes.”

Fair treatment remains top motivating factor at work
For the fifth year running, ‘being fairly treated’ has proved to be the primary motivating factor for people at work, with 75% of people rating it as very important.   Over the last twelve months, however, ‘good pay/current salary’ has moved up from third into second place with 56% of respondents now rating it very important, while ‘having good relationships with colleagues’ has fallen in importance since 2004 when 69% of participants rated it very important.  In 2005 this had dropped into third place with 54%.

In addition, the 2005 survey asked participants to rate the importance of a number of new factors, which have a potential impact on motivation at work.  ‘Good promotion prospects’ were rated as very important by 38% of respondents, ‘fair workload’ by 29%, and both ‘fair time pressures’ and good policy regulation/discussion’ by 24%.

Reward and incentive schemes on the increase
The results of the survey also show that the number of employers running reward and incentive schemes has continued to rise from 68% to 73%, although the level of consultation with employees on the type of incentive to offer has remained fairly static with only a slight increase from 22% in 2004 to 25% in 2005.

Graham Povey continues, “The 2005 survey has shown some interesting insights into the use of incentive and reward schemes in the UK today.  It is no surprise that ‘being treated fairly’ has remained the top motivating factor as no-one likes to feel under-valued and being respected at work is what we all desire.  It will be interesting to track the ratings of the new factors we surveyed, such as the importance of fair time pressures and good promotion prospects, over the coming twelve months.

Notes to Editors:

1. The profile of 2,180 respondents to the survey was: 58% female, 42% male, with 35% falling into the 25-34 age bracket and a further 22% who were 35-44 years old.  17% described themselves as a manager, 15% as a consultant/advisor, 14% as a clerk/administrator, 13% as professionals and 3% as secretarial.

2. The survey was conducted between March and June 2005

3. What motivates you at work?

Based on % of respondents who voted each factor very important

Being fairly treated/valued - 75%

Good current pay/salary - 56%

Good relationship with colleagues - 54%

Job security - 49%

Feeling important/being involved in the company - 41%

Effective/competent leadership - 41%

Good relationship with your boss - 40%

Good benefits (holidays, health insurance, etc…) - 39%

Good promotion prospects - 38%

Good location and work environment - 35%

Training - 31%

Fair work load - 29%

Good policy regulation/discussion - 24%

Fair time pressures - 24%