Meaningful Experiences at Work
There is a lot of conversation about the pros and cons of hybrid work today. No matter how you feel, one thing is for certain – it is here to say. For the last two years, we have asked people what helps keep them motivated when working from home. Many of the same things that were important in March of 2021 were important this year as well, but to more people. Another year of working from home has made embedded new behaviors into our daily lives.
Four key things are important for all experiences, and what motivates people from working from home is no different.
Four critical aspects of experiences:
The ability to do what needs to be done.
Time well spent.
Getting a good value for money.
The experience has elements of meaning.
We have learned over the last two years that most people are very effective at getting work done from home, individually and as a team. People have discovered new motivators – a mix of things that help them have energy and balance throughout the day. The key motivators fall into three categories that align with the critical aspects of experiences:
The first is time well spent. Having more flexibility with their time is the number one key motivator; the ability to eat, exercise or even take a nap when they can or want during the day. Being able to get things done during time when they would have been commuting and doing small chores while working are also in the top ten motivators.
The second category is elements of meaning. We have been studying these elements over the last four years across all types of experiences. Little things, connections to other, and appreciating the beauty around me are important elements of meaning. All three are important motivators for working from home. Listening to music is the second top motivator closely followed by being able to wear more comfortable clothes, and frequent quick breaks. Being around family more and being able to take walks outside are also in the top five motivators.
The third category is saving money. Saving money on the commute and food is the third top item that keeps people motivated when working from home. Saving money on clothes rounded out the top ten motivators.
The joy that comes from little things like listening to music, quick breaks, being around family, walks outside along with the life benefits of more flexibility will be hard to replicate for employers or roles that require working most of the time in an office. Employers that keep these motivators in mind will be better able to engage their staff.