What Motivates Employees?
A primary motivation for any of us to work is money. We work for our pay. There are very few law office employees who would not leave tomorrow if offered a chance to triple their salary. Luckily, that isn’t likely to happen. The most interesting point is that surveys and studies of employees often rank compensation surprisingly low. Security, possibility of advancement, enjoyment of the type of work, and other factors often outweigh pay. Benefits also can be a motivating factor. Medical insurance is an expensive, but prized, benefit today. Training motivates employees because people who can do their jobs more effective are happier. Try to eliminate minor annoyances and day-to-day frustrations; even something as simple as a “cheat sheet” on keyboard shortcuts (see example) can be a helpful tool. Training can consist of bite-sized pieces like a “learn and lunch.” Threats are not an effective motivator. Fear is destructive and not a useful force over the long haul. This is a dead-end stra
