Business
How Do You Motivate Employees?
Learn how you, as a manager, can foster motivation, engagement and enjoyment at work through clear leadership and sustainable ways of working.
By Evalotta Eriksson · Published 6 February 2026 · Read in Swedish
Motivation is not about inspiring people with one-off talks or perks. Sustainable motivation comes from creating the right conditions in everyday work.
As a leader, you cannot create motivation for someone else, but you can create an environment where motivation has the opportunity to grow.
What creates motivation at work?
Research shows that people are often motivated by:
- A sense of purpose
- Involvement
- Development
- Clear expectations
- Trust
- The opportunity to have a say
7 ways to increase motivation
1. Create clarity – clear goals, roles and expectations make it easier for employees to know what needs to be done and why.
2. Give regular feedback – ongoing feedback fosters a sense of security and development.
3. Show appreciation – genuine appreciation for people's efforts strengthens both engagement and relationships.
4. Involve employees in decisions – involvement increases ownership and motivation.
5. Create opportunities for development – people want to grow. Make room for learning and new challenges.
6. Build psychological safety – when people feel able to speak their minds, both creativity and engagement are unlocked.
7. Be a role model – your own attitude rubs off on the team.
Common mistakes
- Believing that motivation is only about pay
- Focusing more on results than on people
- Underestimating the importance of recovery
Next steps
Do you want to create a workplace where people feel well and perform sustainably?
Growmaster's corporate program helps leaders and teams develop sustainable leadership, self-leadership and work environments. Learn more about the Growmaster method or explore more articles in the Knowledge Hub – particularly the Leadership and Employeeship category.
Frequently asked questions
Can you motivate every employee?
No, you cannot motivate someone else – motivation is an internal process. But as a leader, you can create conditions in which people find their own motivation, through clarity, trust, involvement and opportunities for development.
What should you do when motivation is low?
Start by understanding the cause. Low motivation often stems from a lack of clarity, insufficient recovery, insecurity or a lack of purpose. Have the conversation, listen and adjust the conditions rather than simply trying to boost morale.
How does leadership affect motivation?
Leadership is the single most important factor in employee motivation. Clarity, feedback, appreciation and psychological safety create a work environment where people want to give their best over time.