What’s The Best Motivational Tool? If You Guessed Pizza You’re Right!

I mean, who doesn't love pizza?

Clearly no one, because in a recent study by Duke University, researchers found that people were more motivated by free pizza than money.

Honestly, I could have saved those researchers a lot of money, because I've known for quite some time the motivational value of free pizza. I would choose free pizza over pretty much anything. Seriously, you tempt me with a free slice of cheesy heaven, and I'll be the hardest little worker you've ever seen!

In the study, three emails were sent out to three different groups of employees. The first email said they'd get free pizza if they met a certain goal by the end of the day, the second email said they'd get a compliment from their boss, and the final email said they'd get a $30 bonus.

I know, after seeing that the workers were offered $30, it's hard to believe people didn't work harder for cold, hard cash, but according to New York Magazine, the money incentive made people less motivated. They employees were only about 5% more productive on the first day, but did 13% less work than normal on day two. What? How? I guess it's good news for employers, though. A pizza party is way less expensive than giving everyone an extra $30!

The free pizza showed a 6.7% increase in in productivity,  but was followed closely behind by getting a compliment from the boss, which saw a 6.6% increase.

So, shout out to all the bosses out there -- give your employees a pizza party and they'll love you for it. And I'm sure they'll love you even more if you include free drinks. Just saying.

[via New York Magazine]