Originally found at Forbes.
Motivation is what gets employees to come to work every day. Yet, staying professionally engaged can be challenging—especially for Gen Z. Based on a survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. leaders by Intelligent.com, one in six managers say they’re hesitant to hire recent college grads again. The reason? Fifty percent of those surveyed cited a lack of motivation at work.
It’s not just Gen Z that’s feeling demotivated at the office. According to Gallup, U.S. employee engagement sank to 31% in 2024—a 10-year low. Many workers want to make a job or career change but are staying put in the short term due to economic uncertainty.
If you find yourself struggling to stay engaged, there are things you can do to get excited about doing your best. Here are five ways to boost your motivation at work.
Work and family life are often viewed to be in constant conflict. So, it may come as a surprise that family can provide a significant source of motivation at work, according to a study published in the Academy of Management. The research shows that family motivation boosts job performance by increasing energy and reducing stress. The most obvious reason is that you want to ensure your family has the financial resources they need. Also, you may look at work as a source of pride when you share accomplishments with people you care about. If you’re a parent, you want to exemplify a strong work ethic for your children. Family also helps to provide perspective. For example, if you’re having a bad day, the love and support of your family remind you what’s truly important. Focusing on them makes it easier to overcome your challenges and find meaning in your work.
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