How do you keep your employees truly motivated? How to make a difference in 2025
Motivation in the workplace is no accident. It is the result of a culture in which appreciation, development and connectedness are central. As an employer, you want to get the best out of your team, not by adding pressure, but by giving energy back. In this blog you will read how to keep your employees motivated with insights from the Self Determination Theory of Deci and Ryan (1985; 2000) and practical tools such as JobRewards.
What actually motivates an employee?
According to Deci and Ryan's (2000) self-determination theory, there are two forms of motivation:
- Intrinsic motivation: people do something because they want it for themselves, such as learning or contributing to a greater cause.
- Extrinsic motivation: people do something to get an external reward, such as money or recognition.
Both motivations play a role in the work environment. A healthy mix of both is essential: employees not only want satisfaction from their work, but also feel that their efforts are recognized and rewarded.
The science behind it: what drives your team?
The Self-Determination Theory by Deci and Ryan (1985; 2000) states that people become motivated when three basic psychological needs are met:
- Autonomy: Being able to make your own choices.
- Competency: Feeling that you are good at something.
- Connectedness: Feeling part of a team or organization.
With JobRewards you actively respond to these three pillars. Through customized rewards, learning paths, team outings and mutual appreciation, you give employees the feeling that they matter: as individuals and as team members.
Seven ways to keep your staff motivated
1. Make appreciation visible
Appreciation at work is one of the most powerful motivators. Research from the American Psychological Association (2022) shows that 93% of employees who feel appreciated say they are motivated to do their best. Appreciation doesn't have to be complicated: a sincere compliment, a handwritten card or an ‘employee spotlight’ in the newsletter can make all the difference. With the JobRewards platform you give employees direct recognition: from a simple ‘like’ to a personal reward. This is how you make good behavior visible and repeatable.
2. Offer rewards that matter
Effective rewards are relevant, personal and meaningful. Not everyone values the same thing: some want a dinner voucher, others prefer extra days off. Customized rewards strengthen the feeling of recognition and increase motivation.
3. Automate celebrating milestones
Milestones in the workplace, such as birthdays, work anniversaries or completion of a major project, are prime moments to strengthen connection and loyalty. When these moments are ignored, an employee is more likely to feel ‘invisible. JobRewards automates these moments so that no occasion goes unnoticed.
4. Encourage development
Employee development is important not only for their careers, but also for their intrinsic motivation. People want to grow. They want to face challenges and utilize their talents. Give them access to accredited training, education and courses. Development is not only a sign of appreciation, it also increases the employability of your team. JobRewards makes this easy and approachable for employees, keeping them motivated.
6. Give space and trust
Autonomy in the workplace increases feelings of responsibility and pride. Give employees not just tasks, but a say in how they perform their work. With insight into their performance through the platform, you can instill confidence while making adjustments as needed.
7. Build a positive culture
A nice work atmosphere motivates more than any bonus. Not only managers, but also colleagues can reinforce each other's motivation. Peer recognition turns out to be more powerful than many managers think. When appreciation comes from the team, it often feels even more genuine.
Why this works: hard data
Gallup research (2023) shows:
- 23% higher profitability with engaged employees
- 81% less absenteeism
- 43% less turnover
- 23% better performance
So appreciation works not only for the atmosphere, but also for your bottom line. And with a loyalty platform like JobRewards, you can make this appreciation scalable, measurable and impactful.
In conclusion, start appreciating today
A strong culture of appreciation does not happen by itself; it starts with small, sincere gestures. A compliment. A congratulation. A simple “I see what you're doing.” It's these moments that make the difference for your employees.
Want to make appreciation a permanent part of your organization? Then it's time to take a structural approach. With a platform like JobRewards, you give appreciation not only form, but also power: personal, measurable and sustainably motivating.
Want to discover what this looks like in your practice? Schedule an introductory meeting.