Colleagues, being a member of a team and friendships

“Sometimes you think that your colleagues and the atmosphere at work and all that does not play a big part when it comes to your motivation, but

with experience I have learned how important those things are”

“It would be horrible not to have any social aspects at work. I don’t think I would be motivated in that kind of environment”

“Social aspects at work are not as important for me a compensation for example. Or I guess it is… but like I do not need to be able to for actual friendships there, I just want to get along and feel comfortable with the

people I work with”

All participants admitted of needing some level of companionship at work in order to feel motivated. The social aspect of work was indeed noted to be important in regards of motivation by all participants but the level of in which participants needed it differed. The lack of social aspect at work was said to be highly de-motivating by nearly all participants, even those whom had very little or no social contract in their current work. The participants whom primarily did solitary work, such as freelancers, said to seek social aspects with their work through clients and collaborating with other freelancers, which boosted their motivation.

“I do not need to be friends with the people I work with, but I need to feel that we are a team, as the people you work with can be a tremendous asset”

“I have noticed to get motivated by observing all the talented and competent people I work with. When you get help and encouragement and

notice how well others do their job, you want to do at least that too and even more, because it’s a team effort”

“The whole work community thing is rather important to me I’ve noticed.

Making and having professional contacts is very important in my field and highly motivating as well.”

“I definitely want my workplace to be the kind of place where I feel appreciated, accepted and where I am considered to be an important asset

to the team”

Sixteen out of the twenty-two participants mentioned the importance of feeling like a part of a team in relation to their work motivation. These individuals felt that when they were working towards a mutual goal and felt like they were an important asset it was motivating for them.

Even individuals whom preferred to work alone rather than in teams or groups admitted that they still needed to feel like they were a part of a team at work to ensure their motivation. Being a part of a team brought the participant a sense of belonging and two even said it made them

feel like they had a purpose. Teamwork at work was said to increase ones motivation as it inspired, increased learning, and enhanced personal performance.

“Even though I work alone a lot, and working as freelancer could be considered lonely, I do find social aspects of work very important in order to keep motivated. I think that is why I most often work at the office of one

of my clients, where I can have social interaction while working”

“Having good colleagues is probably one of the most important things at work, and plays a major role in motivating me at least”

“I have noticed how much impact your colleagues make when it comes to work motivation. Peoples actions really affect my motivation, and sometimes it can make me really motivated and other times it does the

opposite”

Having good colleagues at work whom participants were able to relate to and even call their friends were often mentioned to be the most important thing in regards motivation and the drive to bond. Many interviewees had noticed the importance of it through bad experiences when they had felt lonely at previous or current jobs. Possible friendships were not though the most motivating aspect, but being able to collaborate and learn from one another was valued highly at it was seen a resulting into improved work motivation.

“I do not need to build lasting relationships at work, as I feel like I have enough social life as it is. If forming lasting relationships and connections at work would improve my chances of getting ahead, then it would motivate

me”

“I actually find it really important to be able to form lasting relationships through work. I actually see my colleagues as family. You spend so much time with them, so it would suck if they did not pick you up when needed

and help you along the way.”

“I do not seek to form lasting relationships through work, but sure it’s a plus if it happens. But I don’t think that has anything to do with motivation

really”

Only two of the twenty-two interviewees believed that forming actual lasting friendships through work was important for them in regards to their work motivation. One participant said they had no interest in forming friendships through work, and others believed it to be a bonus, but that it did not have much to do with actual work motivation. Some mentioned that forming lasting relationships and true friendships would be more motivating if it would improve their chances of advancing at their work. This though was left to be debated, if one could call this bonding a “true friendship” if it was only motivated by getting ahead.

“Having a positive and friendly workplace is everything. I’ve noticed especially how important it is when its lacking in the area”

“For me having a positive, encouraging and friendly working environment is the most important thing when it comes to my work motivation. This is

because I have seen what it does when these things are not there, and I never want that again. When things are not working, it shows outside of

your work as well”

“Welcoming and friendly work environment is surely more important than pay is when it comes to motivation”

“Now when I think about it, having a good work atmosphere is probably the most important thing to me when I think about motivation at work. To feel

that you are supported, encouraged and that there are nice and friendly people around you is vital. Perhaps even more important than good pay.

Yes definitely more important than money!”

It came as no surprise that none of the participants would want to work in a negative or hostile work environment, but this was often mentioned to emphasize the importance of a positive and welcoming atmosphere at work. In many interviews, it was highlighted how demotivating the lack of encouragement and a good work environment was or would be. When asked, the drive to bond was not seen often seen as the most motivating drive, but eighteen out of the twenty-two participants said it was the drive which would demotivate them the most if it was missing or lacking. Several participants were also comparing the drive to acquire with the drive to bond, especially the monetary aspect with general work environment and atmosphere. It was stated multiple times that work atmosphere and everything that came with it was more significant than things such as good salary.