A lack of motivator factors typically leads employees to focus on which aspect?

When motivator factors are absent in a workplace, employees often find themselves preoccupied with hygiene factors. Hygiene factors, as defined in Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, are the basic necessities that prevent employee dissatisfaction but do not themselves promote satisfaction or motivation. These include aspects like salary, workplace safety, company policies, and working conditions.

When employees feel that their motivator factors—such as recognition, responsibility, advancement opportunities, and meaningful work—are lacking, they become more sensitive to hygiene factors. This can result in a heightened focus on basic conditions or policies that might be inadequate or unsatisfactory, rather than fostering a deeper engagement with their work or striving for personal and professional growth. Hence, it is the presence or absence of hygiene factors that influences their overall job satisfaction when motivator factors are not fulfilling their needs.