About motivationWorks
At motivationWorks, we believe that every employee should know exactly what to do next to enhance their work experience. Unlike traditional employee experience surveys that often leave participants with little actionable feedback, our platform empowers every individual—employees and leaders alike—with personalized insights and tools to drive meaningful change.
When everyone is equipped with clear, actionable steps, breakthroughs in engagement, retention, and well-being naturally follow. Backed by Self-Determination Theory (SDT)—the leading people science framework recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General for workplace well-being—our approach ensures that your organization is focused on what truly matters for lasting success.
Plus, with dedicated doctorate-level experts by your side, you’ll receive tailored support every step of the way, helping you turn insights into real impact. At motivationWorks, we don’t just collect data—we empower transformation.
Self-Determination Theory
At motivationWorks, we are driven by the science of what truly motivates people. Over 40 years ago, our founders, Drs. Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, revolutionized the understanding of human behavior by developing Self-Determination Theory (SDT)—a groundbreaking, measurable model of motivation, behavior, and well-being.
Today, SDT is recognized as the world’s leading behavioral science model for motivation and engagement. With thousands of scholars, researchers, and professionals applying its principles across diverse fields—including healthcare, finance, education, parenting, entertainment, and the workplace—SDT has been validated by thousands of independent studies for its powerful ability to enhance experience and performance.
Self-Determination Theory encourages a shift in perspective—from asking “How do we motivate people?” to the far more impactful question: “How do we create the conditions for people to flourish?” By supporting three fundamental psychological needs—autonomy, relatedness, and mastery—SDT empowers individuals to achieve lasting motivation, engagement, and personal growth.
At motivationWorks, we help organizations harness the power of SDT to create environments where people thrive, leading to greater well-being, improved performance, and meaningful, sustainable success.
The Team
motivationWorks was created by the same folks who created Self-Determination Theory and who currently lead its research and applied work worldwide.
Scott Rigby, Ph.D.
Scott is an author and behavioral scientist. In addition to being the co-creator of motivationWorks, he is also founder/CEO of Immersyve Inc., a company applying behavioral science to organizations, products, and services.
Richard M. Ryan, Ph.D.
Richard is a clinical psychologist and Professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University and at the Department of Psychology at the University of Rochester, in addition to being co-developer of Self-Determination Theory and co-creator of motivationWorks.
Edward L. Deci, Ph.D.
Edward is a Professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Rochester, Professorial Fellow at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University, and Professor of Motivation at Buskerud and Vestfold University College in Norway, as well as co-developer of Self-Determination Theory and co-creator of motivationWorks.
