Leisure ideals are shaping a new work ethic

What applies to leisure time should also be possible at work. Both have one thing in common: they should be enjoyable. For working people today, work that is fun is almost as important (55 %) as a higher income (58 %). And meaningful work content is more important (34 %) than status and career advancement (27 %). This is the finding of a new representative survey by the BAT Leisure Research Institute, in which around 1,000 working people were asked what their personal greatest incentive for higher performance at work is.

For employees, reductions in working hours through more leisure time (38) and more vacation (30) are more attractive than additional bonuses (27 %). The younger generation currently expresses the greatest desire for leisure time. For every second employee aged 20 to 29, more leisure time also means greater job satisfaction.

Therefore, in the future, companies will have to offer employees not only material compensation but also, and especially, non-material incentives if they want to increase employee motivation.

Significant differences between individual occupational groups

Anyone wanting to motivate workers to achieve exceptional performance today must first pay them more. Sixty-four percent of workers cite higher wages as their greatest incentive. Those wishing to challenge the performance of salaried employees and civil servants must assign them tasks they enjoy. Fifty-eight percent of salaried employees and civil servants primarily want to find enjoyment in their work, while advancement and career opportunities are significantly less important (30 %). Managers and senior civil servants are equally interested in two performance incentives: They expect independent, responsible work (50 %), but also a higher income (49 %).

Leisure ideals of German citizens, such as fun, self-activity, and self-development, are increasingly influencing employee behavior in the workplace. This is the conclusion of comparable studies by the BAT Institute. "What employees envision as the ideal work environment is almost identical to what many already do and find in their free time," says Prof. Dr. Horst W. Opaschowski.

Despite an increasing focus on leisure time in life, the widely feared decline in performance at work is not materializing. Quite the opposite: the need to achieve something meaningful and enjoyable at work is greater than ever. Therefore, anyone who wants to increase employee motivation must ensure that they experience joy in life during their work (and not just afterward).