by Mary Brotherton

Created on: August 16, 2009   Last Updated: August 18, 2009

Every person is motivated differently. Countless books have been written to coach employers and parents how to motivate others. As with everything in life, employees have two basic needs: the need to avoid pain and the need to receive pleasure.

While it's pleasurable for some to receive raises rather than atta-boys, others aren't motivated by a larger paycheck if they feel they are not appreciated. It doesn't cost anything for an employer or supervisor to give verbal praise or a paper certificate recognizing someone's hard work. For those who prefer recognition, these little kudos are worth more than gold.

Sure, a raise or bonus is nice and in today's economy, to see a larger number on the balance sheet feels nice. The majority of employers still need more than money. Yes, we need the increase in pay to support our families and help us make our ends meet each month, but still, we need more.

When an employer fails to recognize an employee for his or her contribution to what makes the organization successful, that employer has betrayed the very one who has made a difference. The employer's motivation credibility lessens. A simple public acknowledgment can go a long way towards maintaining employee loyalty. Sometimes, something as simple as when a supervisor or employer stops by to say, You're doing a great job, or I like the way you handled , is enough to keep employees happily working and on task.

No matter how big the company or how busy the executive, a hand-written card from time to time can be the difference in keeping good employees or watching them move on to other companies. Yes, money is a necessary commodity in today's society; everyone loves perks and most people seek out employment with companies that provide benefits packages and enticements. There are people who are motivated solely by financial rewards; they are content to slave away in their offices, attend sales meetings, sit in call centers or cubicles and don't require much human interaction. But for others, recognition is like manna from Heaven. Many people would rather hear, Great job! than to see a slight pay increase though if the recognition comes with a side order of money, nobody would complain.

The best employers and supervisors know that every employee will have more than one motivator and will spend time learning what drives each person. They won't spend time writing cards to people who toss them in the office trash can after reading and they won't spend money on employees who crave a simple pat on the back.

Is money or recognition better, totally depends on the particular employee and a wise employer will learn as quickly as possible what inspires each worker to his or her best.

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