The Importance of a Motivated Workforce

Exam code: 7115

Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

Why people work

Motivation and work

Motivation is the inner desire or willingness that drives a person to take action and achieve a specific goal or outcome
- Motivation can be intrinsic, coming from within a person (values, beliefs etc)
- Motivation can be extrinsic, coming from external factors (rewards or punishments)

Why do people work?

People work for many different reasons
- They need to earn money to fund their lifestyle and ensure they have the necessities required
- For some, work is voluntary or low-paid and done to give them a purpose
- Some people work for the opportunity to mix with other people
- For many, employment allows them to fulfil their aspirations

Why people work

Flowchart with main question "Why do people work?" and reasons: earn a wage, purpose, pursue aspirations, security, and work with others. — Individuals go to work for a variety of reasons, including earning a wage or salary and to give them a purpose

Benefits of a motivated workforce

Benefits of a motivated workforce

A motivated workforce brings a range of important benefits that can improve performance, reduce costs and give a business a competitive advantage

Benefit	Explanation
Increased productivity and efficiency	Motivated employees are more productive, meaning they can produce more in less time This often results in higher output and better quality, improving customer satisfaction Greater productivity allows the business to increase profits without increasing labour costs
Lower labour turnover	Motivated employees feel valued and are more likely to stay with the company This leads to lower labour turnover, reducing the need for frequent recruitment and training It also saves time and money while keeping experienced staff who help maintain consistent quality
Higher reliability and loyalty	Motivated workers are more reliable They arrive on time, meet deadlines and take fewer sick days Their loyalty builds trust with the business and creates a more positive workplace culture

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The Importance of a Motivated Workforce · Revision Notes · Business · StudyDeck