Pizza and Priase are Best Forms of Workplace Motivation

Worker productivity and motivation go hand in hand. When workers aren't motivated, they'll naturally feel less inclined to push themselves while on the job. This results in less work being done, along with lower quality work. But motivating workers to excess is actually easier than it sounds. According to a new study, pizza and praise the most effective forms of motivation in the workplace.

Researchers at the Psychology and Behavioral Economics at the Fuqua School of Business found that workers are more motivated after receiving compliments and pizza. This is in stark contrast to the traditional belief that money is the leading motivator in the workplace. Researchers found that pizza and compliments were even more effective at motivating workers to excel than higher pay.

This isn't the first time that praise has been linked to increased worker productivity. A similar study conducted at the London School of Economics and Political Science also found that employees are more likely to work harder if they are being appreciated by their bosses.

There are dozens of ways to recognize workers, one of which being verbal recognition. However, implementing an employee-of-the-month program is another simple yet highly effective way to recognize employees and subsequently motivate them to work harder. 

When discussing the study, one of the lead researchers explained that it's difficult to buy goodwill but it is easy to create a system of reciprocation.

“In a world where people’s output is largely dependent on goodwill, we need to ask ourselves how do we create goodwill,” said the study's lead author and researcher. “What we found in the study is it’s hard to buy goodwill, while it’s easy to create a system of reciprocation where one good act, like recognition with a kind word or pizza, increases goodwill.”

So, what should you take away from this study? In essence, you should focus on recognition, praise -- and the occasional pizza -- to motivate workers in your workplace. Something as simple as telling a worker "good job" goes a long ways in showing that his or her hard work isn't being overlooked. As a result, the worker will feel a newfound drive to push him or herself while on the job. It's the little things like compliments and pizza that drive workers to excel, even more so than a pay raise or bonus.

Do you think praise and pizza are the best forms of motivation in the workplace?