Saying “keep up the good work” is what motivates the most employees in the office

On the other hand, saying “do the impossible” tends to be the least motivating thing leaders can say to employees.

What's your go-to phrase when you want to motivate someone? "Good job / Well done / I'm proud of you" are some that make this journalist feel happy and sound that they come from a genuine place, and I'm sure you all have your own favourites!

Seems like not only do employees have their favourites, but they also aren't hesitant to list out their least-liked motivational phrases, as evident from a survey of 2,000 British respondents conducted by Preply.

Here are the most motivational phrases that respondents agreed they liked being told:

Motivational Phrase	Motivated
Keep up the good work	58.00%
You can do this	55.00%
Don't give up	53.00%
Go for it	53.00%
Believe in yourself	51.00%
Stay strong	47.00%
Keep fighting	47.00%
What do you have to lose	45.00%
Keep pushing	43.00%
Hang in there	42.00%

But not all phrases are effective, as respondents listed the following as the least motivating phrases that they have been on the receiving end of:

Motivational Phrase	Not motivated
Reach for the stars	57.00%
Do the impossible	57.00%
Keep calm, carry on	54.00%
The sky’s the limit	54.00%
Hang in there	49.00%
Follow your dreams	49.00%
Keep pushing	48.00%
What do you have to lose	47.00%
Stay strong	45.00%
Keep fighting	44.00%

The research also had data points to identify which generation is most response to motivational sayings - and it turns out Millennials took the lead, with an average of 60% being motivated by some of the phrases. Those employees over 55 tend to be the least motivated by these phrases, with 52% on average of this demographic saying they were not motivated at all by these phrases.

While the survey was conducted in the UK, HRO believes the data remains relevant and will resonate with our readers in Asia.

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ALSO READ: Money is not enough: The importance of intrinsic motivation

Lead image / 123RF