Creativity, not pay keeps us motivated over the long haul

Being able to develop a creative identity and viewing work as a puzzle keeps us motivated to pursue long-term career goals, according to US research.

While motivators such as wage increases and fringe benefits work in the short term, Bruce Barry of Vanderbilt University and Thomas Bateman of the University of Virginia have developed a list of eight conditions more effective in the long term.

Envisioning positive results, highlighting the social relevance of our own work and relating short-term advancements to the overall achievement of larger objectives have been pinpointed as the leading motivators.