Motivation is the emotional stimulus that pushes us to act. The stimulus can be a need or motivation that energizes certain behaviors. Work motivation is a combination of all factors in our work environment that lead to positive or negative efforts. If we understand what motivates us, we are more likely to achieve our personal and professional goals. Likewise, if organizations know how to motivate their employees, they can increase their productivity. This ability to boost production is increasingly important as U.S. organizations compete in the global marketplace. While all companies are making efforts to motivate their employees, a growing number of organizations are introducing new strategies, including different compensation programs, as a way to motivate today's workers. People need to be appreciated to motivate them. Our behavior is influenced by motivation. We have primary and secondary needs that affect our behavior. Some people may be satisfied with the salary and working conditions. Motivation is undoubtedly a challenge and employees need ongoing training to acquire new skills and knowledge. It is difficult to predict motivation. To understand what motivates someone, we have to guess what physiological and psychological processes underlie their behavior. For example, if Yvonne works much harder than Janet, we assume that Yvonne is more motivated than Janet to achieve a goal, perhaps a bonus (http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/02 /pink.motivation.bonuses/index.html), a promotion or the prestige associated with being the top producer in the organization. Yvonne apparently has a stronger need to work hard. However, unless Yvonne tells us why, we can only assume what her motivation or need may be. Thanks to studies on motivation and behavior...... middle of article ......nson) says that the quickest way to motivate individuals is by applying a little praise . In fact, the book's advice is to "catch them doing something good!" » He emphasizes that praise should be specific, appropriate and immediate. An important motivator influencing worker behavior today is the desire for more free time. More and more employers are seeing their workplaces deserted an hour before the end of the day on Friday. Employees slip away to start weekend activities early. This practice obviously affects productivity through the loss of working time, but it can also have an effect on employee morale. Dedicated employees who stay on the job until closing time don't like having to deal with work left behind by those who are absent. More and more innovative approaches to motivating today's workers can be seen as we adapt to the changing needs of the workforce..