What is relatedness in motivation?

Relatedness is the need to feel connected to others, to belong, and to experience meaningful relationships—not just social interaction.

How does relatedness affect work motivation?

Feeling connected to team members, managers, and organizational purpose increases intrinsic motivation, reduces burnout, and improves retention.

Yes, but it requires intentional effort: regular meaningful communication, shared purpose, recognition, and opportunities for genuine connection.

Peter Kolomiets

|March 20, 2026|Updated Apr 13, 2026|7 min read

Ready to discover your Sdt Motivation?

Edmunds, J. K., Ntoumanis, N., & Duda, J. L. (2007). The Role of Autonomy Support and Relatedness in Predicting Exercise Effort
Sheldon, K. M., Elliot, A. J., Kim, Y., & Kasser, T. (2001). Need Satisfaction and Well-Being: Testing 10 Universal Psychological Needs
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Facilitating Growth and Optimal Functioning Through Need Satisfaction

Put what you've learned into practice with these free assessments:

Understanding autonomy, competence, and relatedness—the three core psychological needs that drive all human motivation according to SDT.

Explore autonomy as a core psychological need: how volitional choice and self-direction drive engagement, creativity, and long-term motivation.

Peter Kolomiets

|March 20, 2026|Updated Apr 13, 2026|7 min read

Ready to discover your Sdt Motivation?

Edmunds, J. K., Ntoumanis, N., & Duda, J. L. (2007). The Role of Autonomy Support and Relatedness in Predicting Exercise Effort
Sheldon, K. M., Elliot, A. J., Kim, Y., & Kasser, T. (2001). Need Satisfaction and Well-Being: Testing 10 Universal Psychological Needs
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Facilitating Growth and Optimal Functioning Through Need Satisfaction