EFFECTS OF REWARD SYSTEM ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION (A STUDY OF ACCESS BANK, AGBOR).

This study examined the influence of reward systems on employee motivation among staff at Access Bank Agbor branch, Delta State, Nigeria. The research specifically assessed how components of reward systems—monetary rewards (salaries, bonuses, allowances) and non-monetary rewards (recognition, promotions,) and career development opportunities —affect employee motivation (job satisfaction, work engagement and organizational commitment). The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, anchored in expectancy theory, and data were collected from120 bank’s employees through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that Monetary rewards and career development programs had positive significant effect on employee motivation, while non-monetary rewards showed a positive but statistically insignificant relationship. Among all reward variables, monetary compensation emerged as the most influential predictor of employee satisfaction and retention. These results affirm the critical importance of both financial and non-financial incentives in sustaining employee engagement and reducing turnover in Nigeria's banking sector. The study recommends that Access Bank implement a comprehensive reward strategy that balances competitive monetary packages with meaningful non-monetary incentives such as career advancement opportunities and recognition programs. This approach is essential for enhancing employee morale, minimizing staff turnover, and improving service quality in non-metropolitan banking locations facing operational constraints. The study contributes to human resource management literature by contextualizing reward-motivation relationships within the Nigerian banking industry, particularly addressing the unique challenges faced by branches in non-metropolitan areas.