Motivational Theories for Increasing Employee Engagement

Motivational theories

Motivation
“Key motivational theories in increasing employee engagement”
In the workplace, motivated employees should be there as it assists in accomplishing the set
goals and objectives of the management. Motivation is also the concept that has a direct
relation with the engagement level of the workers. It is examined that if motivation is not
there among the workers then it could be difficult to achieve the set targets. In relation to this,
employee engagement is also known as the organizational approach that assist in creating
positive relation with the workers and higher authorities. In this essay, the discussion will be
on the motivational theories that emphasizes on boosting the engagement level of the
workers. Employee engagement can take place when the employees are appointed at the right
job. If the employees are given job according to their qualification then it could it can result
in higher engagement level towards the allocated work.
If the employees are engaged towards their work then it would led to higher productivity
level which will also keep the employees connected towards their work. There are various
factors that are linked with the engagement level of the employees. If the workers show
dedication towards work then it enhances the engagement level in relation to allocated work
(Ryan and Deci, 2017). Therefore, it can be said that motivation has a direct link with
boosting the engagement level of the workers. The engagement level of the workers can be
enhanced by enhancing the motivation level of the workers. Motivation can be boosted by the
higher authorities and it can be done if focus is given on considering various theories of
motivation. If motivational concepts or theories are implemented in the workplace by the
higher authority then it will directly bring improvisation in the routine functions of the
business (Bailey et al., 2017).
One of famous organizational theory is Maslow hierarchy of needs that positively impact the
engagement level of workers. This theory was introduced by Abraham Maslow in 1940’s. In
the present era, this theory is considered by many companies as it emphasizes on satisfying
the basic needs or requirements of the workers. If requirement of the workers is satisfied then
it directly boosts the engagement level towards work. This theory talks about five categories
which assist to satisfy the needs and requirements of the workers and it is necessary for the
management to consider as it boost the productivity and profitability. The five categories that
relates with the theory are Physiological needs, safety and security needs, belongingness and
love, self-esteem and self-actualization need. The basic requirement of the employees is
considered from bottom to top (D'Souza and Gurin, 2016).
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Motivation
Maslow introduced the pyramid model in which the requirements or the needs of the workers
are elaborated which directly enhances the involvement of employees. The first stage is
physiological needs focuses on factors such as food, water and sleep. These requirements are
essential to survive and also if these needs are not satisfied then it adversely impacts the
working structure of the workers. Second step is concerned with safety and security needs
that emphasizes on securing the income source and also it focuses on maintaining the safety
of the people. If employees know that their job is safe then they will give their best towards
the allocated work which will directly enhance the engagement level among employees
(Harrigan and Commons, 2015).
The next factor is belongingness and love need that boost the satisfaction level of the
workers. The fourth stage is esteem needs which focuses on maintaining stability and also it
provide value to the individuals. The last stage is self-actualization needs that fulfil the
desires in relation to the growth and capability of the individuals towards work. Hence, it can
be stated that it is necessary for the managers to emphasize on the requirement of workers so
that engagement level of the workers can be boosted. For example: Tesco has considered
Maslow hierarchy of needs theory to boost the motivational level of the workers that leads to
higher engagement level of employees (Tesco, 2019).
(Source: Tesco, 2019).
Tesco emphasizes on all the five categories so that employees can give their best towards the
allocated work. Tesco emphasizes on psychological needs in which place of work and
regularly monthly income is considered. In security needs, Tesco offers pensions and
sickness schemes to ensure safety of the workers. In the next stage, which is social needs
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