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What Motivates Us at Work (Hint: It Might Surprise You)

Updated 6/19/2020
What Motivates Us at Work (Hint: It Might Surprise You)
What motivates the work you do? Understanding why you work can help you be a better employee.

Why do you get up in the morning to go to the office? What makes you feel fulfilled at the workplace? How can you be a better employee?

These are the types of questions you may ask yourself on a daily basis. But did you know that what motivates people in their careers differs greatly from person to person-and understanding these differences can completely shift your own career?

The infographic below illustrates how a variety of people are motivated in the workforce, and the vast array of differences may surprise you. Try to figure out where you fit in to help you understand what’s working—and what may not be—in your current gig.


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Lily Herman is a New York-based writer and editor. In recent months, her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Glamour, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, TIME, Newsweek, Fast Company, and Mashable. You can check out her website, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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