The SHL Workers and Good Management Study asked respondents what motivates them to work harder. The study found that only 20 percent of workers surveyed said they find motivation in money and bonuses. (2)3. Researcher Susan David conducted a study of business units that had highly engaged employees. When she asked employees what was behind their exceptional engagement scores, only 4% mentioned compensation. (3)Why money doesn't matter moreNaturally, employees are individuals who are motivated by different things. Even the same employee can have motivations that change over time. However, for over 70 years, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and its revised models have been used to demonstrate what motivates people. The concept is usually illustrated as a pyramid with five to eight levels. Only once the needs defined in the lower levels have been satisfied does the motivation for the next level become relevant. (4)1. The lower level represents the basic physiological needs necessary for survival. These include sleep, shelter, food, warmth, air and water. 2. The second level represents the desire to be safe. This level includes needs such as freedom from fear, protection from the elements, public order, stability and security.