Managers need to take action to motivate employees. However, what motivates one person may not motivate another, so it is important to know people as individuals to engage them. However, it’s not easy, because managers are expected to treat employees uniformly and consistently while considering individual needs and sometimes making exceptions—that can be perceived as unfair by others.

To answer “What’s in it for me?” companies develop motivational systems that include rewards and recognition that will create a motivational climate and culture. People respond to incentives, and rewards and recognition are motivational incentives, so they are also called incentive systems. Some of the many types of rewards and recognition include good compensation and flexible work schedules.

Companies are paying closer attention to the needs of working parents and being more flexible with their work hours. Women with children under 18 spend twice as much time as men on child care. Many companies offer pay for performance including bonuses, profit sharing, and stock options. You can even give your own rewards and recognition to your department employees.