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Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation

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Introduction

Motivation is the fuel that drives us in our work and life. It is the power behind our actions, our behavior and our achievements. But what actually drives us? And how do you improve motivation in the workplace?

In this section, we'll dive deeper into the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how they influence our behavior and performance at work.

What Drives You?

Motivation is the driving force behind our actions and choices. But what drives you? The word actually says it all: how do you motivate or substantiate why you do what you do?

Is it the intrinsic satisfaction you get from the work itself, or is it external rewards and recognition that drive you to action? Often it is a combination of the two. Understanding what motivates employees is essential for effective and happy employees.

What is Intrinsic Motivation?

Intrinsic motivation comes from internal sources such as personal interests, passions and satisfaction that we get from the work itself. It's about the pleasure and satisfaction we experience when we engage in tasks that we find intrinsically valuable and engaging.

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Intrinsic motivation is often difficult to identify in new generations. In many cases, this generation does not yet know exactly where their passion lies. More work experience ensures that someone automatically becomes more aware of what makes them happy. A traineeship often helps to gain broad experience.

What is Extrinsic Motivation?

Extrinsic motivation is fueled by external rewards and incentives, such as pay, recognition, or promotion. It involves seeking rewards and avoiding punishment, and can be a powerful tool for boosting performance, but can also have long-term limitations.

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When it comes to these factors, the employer is often in charge. It is important that an employer has a clear idea of what the needs of employees are. In this way, measuring needs helps so that the organization can effectively motivate extrinsically.

Increasing Motivation at Work

Effectively increasing motivation starts with understanding the individual needs of employees. Through methods such as surveys, interviews and feedback sessions, organizations can gain insight into what motivates and satisfies their employees. This data forms the basis for targeted interventions to strengthen motivation and promote a positive work environment.

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Within the Deepler software you can easily choose the 'employee satisfaction' module. With this module you can investigate in 2 minutes what influences motivation in your team and organization.

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