Employee motivation in hybrid work : how motivational needs have changed after Covid-19

Abstract

This thesis examined the changes that have happened in employee motivation at work since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The aim was to present the findings on changed motivational needs and showcase what companies can do to improve their employees’ motivational levels during a time where working conditions are shifting. This was done under the research questions of How hybrid work has affected overall employee motivation? and How can companies improve the level of employee motivation in the hybrid work era?

The topic in question is extremely relevant and prone to an increasing amount of research due to its newness. It is vital for organizations across the globe to learn and know how to care for their employees in order to retain talented workforce. This is incredibly important at a time like this following the pandemic, as more and more employees are leaving their placement of work due to unmet motivational needs.

Due to the recentness of this topic on motivation in hybrid work, there is a lack of research in recent knowledge on how this has affected employees and how to move forward in organizations. That is why this thesis has utilized online sources as a way to bring together current information on the topic and analyse these together with academic motivational theories.

This thesis hopes to bring attention to employee wellbeing from a motivational point of view. Employers should seek to invest in their employees and create trust for a thriving work environment where there is no lack of motivation, even if people are working from different locations.