5 Things Behavioral Science Teaches Us About Motivation at Work

Motivation at work isn’t just about paychecks or perks, it’s about understanding what truly drives your people. Behavioral science helps us decode the “why” behind what we do, and the insights are clear: sustainable motivation comes from the inside out. At Culturello, we’ve built our platform around these principles to help teams not only stay productive, but feel connected, empowered, and purposeful while doing it. Here are five key lessons from behavioral science and how you can bring them to life in your workplace.

1. Autonomy Fuels Engagement

People are more motivated when they feel like they’re in control. Self-Determination Theory, a cornerstone of behavioral science, tells us that autonomy is one of the three core psychological needs that drive motivation.

How Culturello Helps: Members are in total control of their success on the platform. While they’re prompted by the organization to connect, engage, and play on their app through nudges and opportunities, it’s their own motivation that keeps them going. Plus, members are able to decide how and when to redeem their rewards points!

2. Small Wins Drive Big Momentum

According to the Progress Principle, even tiny steps forward can generate powerful emotional uplift and sustained motivation! By setting small, attainable goals and celebrating mini moments of progress and success, your team is inspired to keep going.

How Culturello Helps: Activity Loops, our in-app gamified habit tracker, keeps members on track to hitting their goals. From small, personal habits, like drinking more water during the day, to major company-wide goals, the platform celebrates every step forward and keeps members engaged and excited during the journey.

3. Connection Beats Competition

Behavioral science shows us that relatedness, feeling connected to others, is equally as powerful as competition and rewards. People are just as likely to stay motivated when they feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves as they are when they’re winning a prize. This highlights the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.

How Culturello Helps: The Connect Feed is your organization’s personal social media channel. A place where team members can engage with the organization and each other, shouting out and celebrating their successes. This helps build a sense of community and camaraderie that trickles down into every aspect of work.

4. Clear Paths Build Confidence

Expectancy Theory tells us that people are more motivated when they believe their effort will lead to success! An ambiguous system, hazy asks and deliverables, or a misaligned rewards system is a surefire way to see a drop in motivation.

How Culturello Helps: With desired behaviors clearly set by the organization, team members always know the best route to success… and they’re rewarded for staying the course! Surveys and Polls also allow for feedback and pulsechecks, ensuring everyone feels empowered.

5. Purpose Transforms Productivity

Purpose is a behavioral trigger. When people feel connected to their day-to-day work and believe in the larger mission, their intrinsic motivation skyrockets.

How Culturello Helps: It’s easier for teams to stand behind an organization that values its members. Acknowledgement programs drive an increase in workers’ engagement by 72%*, which helps inspire connection and a sense of pride!

If you’re looking to boost motivation in the workplace, try to employ some of these ideas and principles in your day-to-day. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll see results!

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