Use Fredrick Herzbergs Motivation Theory to Increase Job Satisfaction

Fredrick Herzbergs motivation theory suggests job satisfaction has two main factors that influence your overall satisfaction at work. Job satisfaction in the most general sense is the degree to which you are happy or content with your job.

Herzberg's motivation theory, also known as the Motivation-Hygiene Theory, proposes two factors that impact job satisfaction. First, there are basic fundamental needs that must be fulfilled, otherwise you will be dissatisfied with your job.

But if those needs are met, it doesn't mean high job satisfaction- there are higher level motivation factors that are required to gain real job satisfaction. The two factors operate independent of each other, so both need to be addressed to really be motivated and satisfied with your job.

Hygiene Factors

The first component in Herzbergs motivation theory are the hygiene factors. These include basic needs like reasonable compensation, tolerable working conditions, some degree of stability, and endurable relationships with supervisors and co-workers.

These needs are relative to your own standards, whatever you deem the most basic and tolerable level in these types of needs. If these basic needs are not met, you will not be satisfied and have less motivation to pursue higher order goals.

But meeting these needs only prevents dissatisfaction, it does not promote job satisfaction. There is more required in order to reach higher job satisfaction.

Motivators

Once the basic needs are met, according to Herzberg, motivation will be increased to satisfy higher order needs. At this point, there are specific motivators like growth and promotion opportunities, opportunities to do outstanding work and to excel in your chosen specialty, recognition and increased responsibility, just to name a few.

It is these motivation factors that really influence job satisfaction. The specific motivators will be different for each person, you will need to find which areas are most relevant for yo

Application

What's interesting about Herzbergs motivation theory is that the hygiene factors are relatively easy to modify or increase, but there won't necessarily be an increase in job satisfaction or motivation. Increasing pay may provide a temporary boost and decrease the dissatisfaction with a job, but it won't really impact your overall job satisfaction and motivation.

This means if you really want to increase your self motivation, once your basic needs are met in terms of pay, work environment,etc you should really shift your focus.

Rather than working to increase your compensation, look for things that will lead to the higher job satisfaction and increase your motivation for work. How can you grow further in your job? Are there areas for advancement, promotion, and increased responsibility? It is through those motivators that you will find greater self motivation and ultimately have higher job satisfaction.

To summarize Fredrick Herzbergs theory, there are basic needs (hygiene factors) that will need to be met otherwise you will be dissatisfied with your job. Once those needs are met, job satisfaction will come through pursuing higher order activities and goals (motivators) that lead to growth, recognition, and responsibility.

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