Companies using tools such as time and attendance systems in order to get the best out of their workforce will be interested to hear that financial incentives are not necessarily the biggest motivator for employees.
The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) conducted a survey of more than 1,000 people and found that only 13 per cent felt a bonus would have a positive effect on their sense of motivation at work.
Nearly half (49 per cent) said a good basic salary and pension provision is an effective incentive to work hard.
The biggest motivator of all was found to be enjoyment of the job, with 59 per cent of respondents citing this as a key factor.
Other big contributors to workplace enthusiasm include good working relationships (42 per cent), fair treatment (22 per cent) and higher levels of independence (22 per cent), according to the survey findings.
When asked about things that would make them feel more motivated at work, nearly a third (31 per cent) of employees said getting better treatment from their employer and receiving more praise.
Reflecting on its findings, the ILM suggested that the £36.9 billion that UK companies spent on performance bonuses in the past year had little impact on levels of staff motivation and commitment.
Charles Elvin, chief executive of the institute, pointed out that managers are more likely to engender these qualities in the workforce if they strive to understand their workers and "what makes them tick".
He added: "In the past year UK companies have collectively spent an astronomical amount on financial incentives for their staff. But this report is telling us there are far more effective, and cost-effective, ways to motivate people.
"These include giving regular feedback, allowing people to have autonomy in a role, the opportunity to innovate and improved office environments."
Specialist recruiter Randstad this month released a report warning that levels of professional fulfilment are relatively low in the UK, compared to countries such as Germany, France, the US, Canada and Australia.
