Unlocking productivity: Are rewards effective for self-motivation?

A recent study found that bonuses in the workplace, while having the potential to boost productivity initially, can backfire - challenging a system many of us have seen as effective since childhood. So, when looking to achieve sustainable productivity, what do we know about the driving force of rewards, and what other options are there for motivating ourselves?

Whether you’re the type of person who allows yourself a cheat day after being consistent with the gym, a treat after finishing your housework, or even watching a favourite show once a project is complete – there are various forms of reward-focused behaviours. Those working with or raising children may use their own reward-based techniques for motivating them, from sticker-charts for good behaviour to pocket money for completing chores, making it essential to understand this motivation technique not only for ourselves, but for those we care for. We explore what we know about rewarding productivity and other motivating techniques below.

Table of contents

• Why rewards work in the short term
• The long-term problem of rewards fading
• When rewards backfire
• The power of recognition
• Designing a self-motivation system that works

Why rewards work in the short term

Reward psychology, a field that studies the relationship between incentives and human behaviour, suggests that it is part of our most basic functionality that we value rewards. Put simply, rewards ranging from praise to sweet treats, money, and everything in between are something we are wired to chase for our survival and social wellbeing. The realisation of a reward causes us to release dopamine, serotonin, and other pleasant endorphins, and creates pathways in our brain that strengthen to create habits, both good and bad, that we associate with rewards.

A great example is that employees will work harder when presented with higher salaries or benefits as a result, and we’re more likely to push through tasks and respond more quickly to requests when we see a clear reward. Where the reward justifies the effort required to complete a task, this is an effective method for motivation.

The long-term problem of rewards fading

If the reward systems in our brains can help us to develop positive habits, how can this not lead to long-term results with reward-focused motivation? Other studies into workplace rewards have found that the reward of pay is not as appealing to people long-term as their work being engaging and well structured. In fact, only 13% of those surveyed in one study said that bonuses were in their top-three motivators at work.

This means that, when it comes to motivating ourselves to do tasks that are ongoing or feel meaningless to us, rewards rarely feel important enough to motivate us long-term. For example, if your only motivation for completing a workout you dislike is a cheat meal, it may feel easier to just go without the cheat meal. However, if you opt for workouts that you enjoy or that you see other benefits to, you may feel more motivated – shifting the focus from a single reward.

When rewards backfire

Another concern with rewards that has been found in a study is that bonuses or incentives can encourage corner-cutting behaviour. For example, if your motivation for finishing a piece of work is an external reward, you may rush the piece of work or complete it to a lower level of quality to speed up the reward cycle. It can also encourage dishonesty. For example, a child who has been asked to finish their homework in exchange for time spent on a game may lie about having finished to get access to their reward sooner.

The power of recognition

Studies have found that, compared to financial rewards, feeling seen and appreciated can be more motivating. Taking pride in having done something positive and the impact this has on self-esteem, while not as fast-acting as a traditional reward system, can have an equally positive effect with far more sustainable outcomes. Shifting focus from the reward you may receive for completing a project to the pride you feel once it is complete can reinforce the benefits of a routine without the possibility of shortcuts or dishonesty.

For example, if you or someone you are caring for needs to tidy a room and the motivation for this task is a reward, the next time this task needs to be completed there will need to be an additional, equally worthwhile reward presented for the task. However, if once the task is complete you reflect on how much better you feel in the room, how proud you are of accomplishing the task, and the positive aspects of the task that make it seem less daunting, you are more likely to be able to self-motivate the next time.

Designing a self-motivation system that works

Research shows that leadership, culture, and stability often matter more than other incentives when it comes to motivation in the workplace. When we apply that finding to self-motivation we see the importance of being your own ‘leader’ and shaping your environment and routines to support your goals.

Instead of relying on rewards to offer short-term motivation, it’s important to focus building positive habits through consistent routines, ensuring you’re working in a space that makes you feel happy and motivated, and celebrating achievements rather than switching the focus to external benefits. You may find yourself better motivated long-term by joining a supportive group, using a habit tracker, and breaking down tasks into manageable and more enjoyable chunks.

Some great examples of how you can leverage accountability and consistency for long term motivation are:

• Joining a club or group such as a book club or study group to set aside time for regular check-ins that hold you accountable.
• Using an app that tracks chores, workouts, or any other routine tasks to see your progress and build a chain you won’t want to break.
• Break big projects into smaller tasks with mini-deadlines and share them with someone else.
• Stack habits by adding a habit you want to an existing one such as taking your medications or supplements before you brush your teeth or meditating while you wait for the bus in the morning.
• Set a date/time for repeated tasks to reduce the fatigue of making decisions, such as going to study in a cafe at the same time every week.
• Incorporate the action into your identity to encourage consistency, for example instead of wanting to run three times per week, tell yourself that you are a runner and behave accordingly.

While using rewards on occasion can be great for short bursts of motivation, it’s important to build a routine that ensures you are feeling positive about the work you are doing and your achievements. The real key to self-motivation isn’t bribing yourself, it’s designing a life where the work itself feels rewarding.