As per business research conducted by O.C. Tanner, one of the ways of increasing self-motivation at work is by praising others. The vast majority of more than three thousand odd surveyed confirmed, that their performance levels go up when they praise others. Verbal recognition remains the single biggest chunk of the method adopted by nearly half the respondents. This was followed in popularity by recognition in front of colleagues and then emails. A minority still resort to hand written letters. This trend as a source of motivation is strongest among the millennial generation at around eighty five percent followed by figures for the generation X-ers and baby boomers. Praising others has also apparently led to more innovative practices being adopted at the workplace.

Source:http://www.forbes.com/sites/karenhigginbottom/2016/12/20/its-better-to-give-than-receive-at-work/#b7b5fd910a0f