Reward Systems Create Complete Involvement

In his book "Flow - The Psychology of Optimal Experience," Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi observes that complete involvement occurs when 4 elements are present:
1.) Rules that require learning
2.) Goals that are challenging and clear
3.) Feedback that is timely
4.) The appropriate skills to perform well

Well designed reward systems, that contain these 4 elements, help participants achieve a well-ordered state of mind that is highly enjoyable. As Maslow observed in his Hierarchy of Needs; people seek to actualize their potential...and reward systems provide the means to do so.

Meaningful Work: Element #3, Feedback, provides the opportunity for coaching and to develop skills that allow participants to address new and more difficult challenges.

If highly engaged employees are missing from your workplace perhaps you should look to the design of your reward systems.