Beyond the Carrot and Stick: The Truth Behind Motivation in Human Resources
As we approach 2025, the landscape of human resources continues to evolve, and with it, our understanding of what truly motivates employees. Gone are the days when the carrot-and-stick approach was the go-to strategy for driving performance.
carrot and stick
Today, HR professionals are exploring more nuanced and holistic approaches to motivation that tap into the intrinsic desires and aspirations of their workforce.
The limitations of extrinsic rewards and punishments have become increasingly apparent. While they may yield short-term results for simple, repetitive tasks, they can hinder creativity and innovation – critical skills in the modern workplace.
Moreover, relying too heavily on external motivators can breed resentment and disengagement, as employees feel manipulated rather than genuinely valued.
So, what lies beyond the carrot and stick?
The answer lies in encouraging intrinsic motivation – the inherent satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from the work itself. This means creating an environment where employees feel a sense of autonomy, mastery, and purpose in their roles.
When individuals believe that their choices and actions matter, they are naturally energised to pursue their goals with passion and dedication.
However, intrinsic motivation isn’t always easy to cultivate, especially in roles that may not be inherently exciting or rewarding. That’s where a more nuanced approach to extrinsic motivation comes into play.
Rather than relying solely on rewards and punishments, HR can leverage different types of extrinsic motivators that promote autonomy and personal growth. This might include providing opportunities for professional development, offering flexible work arrangements, or connecting individual contributions to the larger organisational mission.
To truly DRIVE employee motivation in 2025 and beyond, HR must take a multifaceted approach:
Direct: Set clear expectations and use extrinsic motivators strategically to support basic needs and create a foundation for growth.
Recognise: Celebrate achievements with genuine, specific praise that fuels a sense of accomplishment and ignites intrinsic motivation.
Inspire: Connect employees’ work to their personal goals and the company’s mission, illuminating the meaning and purpose behind their efforts.
Vitalise: Provide a clear roadmap for career growth, offering constructive feedback and encouraging employees to embrace ambitious goals.
Empower: Encourage autonomy by giving employees flexibility in their work and involving them in goal-setting processes.
By embracing these strategies, HR can create a supportive environment that nurtures both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, leading to more engaged, fulfilled, and high-performing employees.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future, it’s clear that the truth behind motivation lies not in a single approach, but in a thoughtful, adaptive, and people-centric strategy that brings out the best in every individual.