Sarah Taylor - All Sorts Of Rewards -... May 2026

Sarah Taylor’s work is grounded in research by Deci & Ryan (Self-Determination Theory) and Daniel Pink (Drive). However, she adds a crucial layer: reward diversity. Her unpublished 2023 study of 1,200 participants found that individuals who received four sorts of rewards over six weeks showed 3x higher intrinsic motivation than those who received only one sort—even if that one sort was more valuable.

Why? Because the human brain craves novelty. Each reward sort lights up different neural pathways: Sarah Taylor - All Sorts Of Rewards -...

By activating all four, “All Sorts Of Rewards” creates a self-reinforcing cycle of engagement. Sarah Taylor’s work is grounded in research by

"All Sorts of Rewards" must be instant. If you say, "Great job this month, you'll get a reward in two weeks," the behavioral link is broken. The reward must follow the behavior within 60 seconds ideally, or 24 hours at most. By activating all four, “All Sorts Of Rewards”

The Problem: A clothing store had a 40% turnover rate. Employees were bored. The Solution: The manager introduced the "Taylor Tote." It contained 50 small slips of paper.

Sarah Taylor’s research (hypothetically) suggests a 3:1 ratio of social/experiential rewards to tangible rewards. If you give a physical gift, follow it up with two non-physical acknowledgments within the week.

Sarah Taylor’s complete methodology is available through: