Any time a group of research subjects are asked what they want or need from their manager/boss at work, some version of “caring and respect” usually comes out on top.

When someone is in relationship with someone else who has power over them AND that person believes that the more powerful person doesn’t really care about them…well, that’s (literally) scary.

Morale isn’t the only thing that matters in the workplace, but here’s the bottom line: If employees aren’t “volunteering” their hearts and minds – if they’re just showing up to get a paycheck – you’ll never get the things you really want.

Most effective in motivating employees aren't rewards or compensations made by the company at-large, but rather encouragement and recognition initiated by managers or supervisors.