Why Emotional Salary Matters

Why Emotional Salary Matters: A Psychological Perspective on Motivation and Workplace Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced and high-demand work environments, mental health and motivation are often affected by more than just job descriptions or paychecks. While financial compensation remains a key factor in job satisfaction, research has shown that non-monetary rewards, what some call “emotional salary”, play a crucial role in employee wellbeing and performance.

As mental health professionals and coaches, understanding how emotional salary interacts with human motivation offers valuable insight, not just in clinical practice, but also in our work with professionals, leaders, and organizations.

Emotional Salary Meets Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

The term “emotional salary” refers to non-financial benefits that foster employee satisfaction, engagement, and growth. This can include a sense of purpose, recognition, autonomy, positive relationships, and work-life harmony. A 2019 study conducted in Medellín, Colombia explored this idea and found striking parallels with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a cornerstone theory in psychology.

 Maslow’s model suggests that human motivation is built upon five key levels of need:

1. Physiological needs (basic survival)

2. Safety (security and stability)

3. Belonging and love (connection and acceptance)

4. Esteem (recognition, confidence)

5. Self-actualization (growth, creativity, fulfillment)

 According to the emotional salary model, employees whose lower-level needs are unmet such as psychological safety or a sense of belonging, struggle to reach higher levels of productivity and creativity, just as Maslow predicted.

 Top Emotional Drivers Identified in the Study

 The researchers surveyed employees with 34 strategic questions to assess how emotional factors impacted work-life balance and engagement. The top five elements contributing to emotional salary were:

• Quality time with family and healthy work relationships

• Opportunities for growth and professional development

• Flexible work culture aligned with personal values

• Supportive leadership and management

• Recognition and consistent feedback

These emotional drivers reflect a deep psychological truth: people perform better when they feel supported, safe, and valued.

 Why This Matters in Mental Health, Therapy, and Coaching

At My Journey Compass Health, LLC, we understand that mental health and workplace wellbeing are deeply connected. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, navigating career transitions, or seeking deeper purpose in your professional life, these insights can be powerful.

 In therapy, we help individuals explore the emotional needs that may be left unmet in their current environments—and develop healthy boundaries and strategies for change.

In coaching, we support professionals and leaders in building emotionally intelligent workplaces that empower their teams and reduce burnout.

 Understanding emotional salary isn’t just for employers. It’s for anyone seeking a healthier, more fulfilling life.

 Final Thoughts

 Emotional wellbeing, motivation, and personal growth are not separate threads. They are deeply intertwined. The emotional salary model reinforces what psychology has taught us for decades: people are at their best when their emotional, psychological, and social needs are met.

 If you’re ready to explore how emotional salary and human motivation impact your life or your organization, we’re here to support you through therapy, psychiatric care, and coaching.

 Let’s help you build a life—and a workplace—that feels meaningful and sustainable.