A recent study we ran on the top ten career motivators proves something shocking: Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials actually want (mostly) the same things. Yep—turns out the avocado-toast crowd, the mixtape generation, and the “back in my day” crew share eight out of ten motivators. Translation: you don’t need a separate playbook for every birthday decade—just a few custom tweaks.
Here are the eight motivators they all agree on (miracle of miracles):
Achievement
Employees who are motivated by achievement love to be challenged. The sense of satisfaction that comes with setting and achieving difficult goals inspires them to take on more challenges.
Motivational tips for achievement-oriented employees:
- Allow them take on more responsibility, like leading a team project.
- Offer opportunities for advancement for older employees, and mentor younger ones for future leadership positions.
- Don’t be afraid to put their skills to the test. Got a recurring problem that is affecting productivity? Ask them to find a solution.
Learning
Employees with this motivator are thirsty for knowledge. They are driven by the desire to gain new insights and pick up new skills.
Motivational tips for learning-oriented employees:
- Give them opportunities to develop new skills, take courses, or participate in seminars.
- If at all possible, avoid giving them too many routine tasks.
- Is there a new technology that you would like to implement in the company? Use these employees to test it out and train others to use it.
Creativity
Employees motivated by creativity are driven by a desire to express their originality or to come up with innovative inventions.
Motivational tips for creativity-oriented employees:
- Recruit them for brainstorming meetings. If there’s a problem that needs to be solved, allow them to be a part of the process.
- Give them projects that allow them to stretch their creative wings, or at least let them tackle projects in their own way. Too many SPECS can stifle their creativity.
- Nurture an environment where originality and creativity are encouraged. Allow them to share their ideas, no matter how off-the-wall. These unique ideas may lead to a great marketing strategy or the perfect solution to a problem.
Customer Orientation
Making customers happy is a top priority for employees with this motivator. They enjoy working with the public and will go that extra mile to make sure a client is satisfied.
Motivational tips for customer-oriented employees:
- Give them direct client interaction. The more chances they have to connect with customers, the more energized and engaged they’ll feel.
- Recognize their impact. Share positive client feedback or success stories so they see the difference they’re making.
- Empower them to go the extra mile. Provide flexibility, tools, or small budgets they can use to deliver above-and-beyond service.
Inspiration
Nothing makes these employees prouder than seeing their work light a spark in others. Their ultimate goal is to create something that moves people, changes lives, and leaves a lasting mark.
Motivational tips for inspiration-oriented employees:
- Give them the opportunity to mentor other employees.
- Outline exactly how their work plays a role in the success of the company.
- Whenever possible, assign them projects that allow them to have a positive impact on others in some way.
Identity and Purpose
For employees with this motivator, their career is more than a job: it represents who they are. Their success at work contributes to their feelings of personal worth and value.
Motivational tips for identity-oriented employees:
- It may sound surprising and perhaps simplistic, but a notable job title can do wonders for one’s ego. Give these employees a genuine and meaningful title in the company.
- Make it a point to recognize and praise them for their hard work. They want to know that their efforts are appreciated.
- Give them projects that allow them to really show off what they can do.
Altruism
Employees with this motivator are energized by the idea of contributing to the world in a positive way. They have a caring, compassionate, and generous nature.
Motivational tips for altruism-oriented employees:
- Ask them to find ways to boost morale.
- If their job description doesn’t offer opportunities to “give back,” place them in charge of organizing charity events or making company processes more eco-friendly. It’ll boost their motivation and the company’s image.
- Whenever possible, assign them meaningful projects that allow them to help others in some way, even if it just means helping a client find the perfect product or mentoring new teammates.
Fun and Enjoyment
Employees who enjoy their work are more likely to be productive. But it’s more than just loving their job; employees with this motivator want to be a part of an organization where enjoying oneself is part of the corporate culture.
Motivational tips for enjoyment-oriented employees:
- Organize monthly social gatherings for staff (picnics, golfing for charity, etc.).
- Have themed work days—Funny Hat Day, Sports Jersey Day, or Talk Like a Pirate Day (yes, people have actually done this).
- Have an “Employee Appreciation Day” every few months with honorable mentions (Employee of the Month, Most Improved Employee). Offer free food, coffee, or small gifts.
- Having fun doesn’t just mean parties—it’s also about assigning tasks and projects that are close to the person’s heart.
Motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all hoodie—it’s more like pizza toppings: everyone’s got their favorites, and forcing pineapple on the wrong person isn’t fair. The trick is knowing what really gets your team excited. That’s where our CAMOP (Career Motivation Profile) comes in. Use it to spot what drives new hires (before you bring them on) or to decode what keeps your current crew engaged, productive, and sticking around.