Motivation as an indicator of performance and productivity from the perspective of employees

Motivation plays a crucial role on employees' performance. Though organizations have an interest in keeping the employees motivated at work, they do not always have the complete picture on what indeed motivates an employee. Scholars agree that money (including employees' wages) significantly affects employees' performance and productivity, but they do not unanimously place it among the strongest determinants of employee motivation. The main purpose of this work was to explore the factors influencing the true motivation of employees to enhance their performance and productivity at work. This study employed a quantitative research design based on data collected during the severe period of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 110 participants, of which 38 (34.5%) males 72 (65.5%) females working in different companies in Albania. The results showed a moderate level of satisfaction and motivation at work and a significant correlation between the motivation and success of the company. Additionally, the data indicated that most of the participants were satisfied with the financial allowances, but that they aspired to have higher wages and better workplace conditions. Therefore, higher salaries, extra bonuses and the promotion in their role at work or recognition and appreciation seem to be very important motivational factors for the employees. Finally, this study proposes recommendations for companies on how to implement different strategies to increase employees' motivation and enhance the business effectiveness. This study analyses data collected during the global pandemic and would serve as reference for periods associated with dire financial difficulty.