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Employee motivation is a key success factor for companies. A recent Randstad-ifo HR manager survey (Q1/2025) shows that companies are increasingly relying on flexible working hours and additional benefits to increase employee motivation. But which measures are particularly effective?
According to the survey, 76% of companies offer flexible working hours. This measure enables employees to better balance their work with their private lives, which has a positive impact on their satisfaction and productivity. Companies should consider flexitime models, trust-based working hours or a 4-day week.
Flexitime allows employees to determine their own working hours within a fixed framework. Trust-based working time dispenses with fixed control of working hours and relies on personal responsibility. The 4-day week can be attractive for companies that want to promote a better work-life balance. According to the survey, 11% of companies already use this model to increase employee satisfaction. These measures reduce stress, increase motivation and contribute to long-term loyalty to the company.
68% of the companies surveyed rely on further training opportunities. The opportunity to develop professionally increases motivation and binds talent to the company in the long term.
Individual training programs such as seminars, online courses and workshops enable employees to improve their skills in a targeted manner. Companies can also introduce mentoring programs in which experienced employees pass on their knowledge to younger colleagues. Part-time study courses or certificate programs can also be supported. These investments pay off, as motivated and qualified employees contribute to the company's innovative strength and competitiveness in the long term.
60% of companies offer benefits such as sports facilities, job tickets or canteens. These measures not only improve the quality of life of employees, but also show the company's appreciation.
Workplace health promotion, e.g. through gym subsidies or ergonomic workstations, can significantly increase employee satisfaction. Free or discounted canteen meals promote social interaction and well-being. Job tickets or bicycle leasing programs promote sustainable mobility and help employees to get to work cost-effectively. These measures not only increase motivation, but also improve the working atmosphere.
Home office options or hybrid working models are offered by 34% of companies. A flexible choice of work location can significantly increase motivation and satisfaction.
Many employees appreciate the opportunity to do at least part of their work from home. This saves commuting time, enables a better work-life balance and increases productivity. Hybrid models, where employees can work both in the office and at home, offer an ideal balance between teamwork and individual flexibility. Clear communication and suitable technical equipment are important to ensure productive working.
32% of companies offer above-average pay. Financial incentives such as bonus payments or profit sharing can also contribute to employee motivation.
Performance-related bonuses or awards for outstanding performance can be a strong incentive for employees. Profit-sharing or share programs strengthen employees' loyalty to the company and motivate them to contribute to the company's success in the long term. A company pension scheme or additional vacation days can also be attractive incentives that increase employee satisfaction.
Less common, but still effective, are measures such as sabbaticals (12%) or workations (5%). These models offer employees the opportunity to recharge their batteries and return with renewed motivation.
Sabbaticals, i.e. longer periods of unpaid or partially paid time off, offer employees the opportunity to further their education, pursue personal projects or gain new perspectives. Workations combine work and travel by allowing employees to work from a different location for a certain period of time. Both models help to promote creativity, avoid burnout and keep employees motivated and committed in the long term.
The results of the ifo survey show that companies are increasingly relying on flexible and individual incentive systems. Through targeted measures such as flexible working hours, further training opportunities and attractive additional benefits, companies can sustainably increase the motivation of their employees. Investments in these areas pay off in the long term, as motivated and satisfied employees are more productive and loyal.
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Source: ifo Institut
