Contribution of quality of life to job motivation in a sample of workers from small and medium-sized Colombian companies.

The present study of quantitative cut, correlational level and cross-sectional design aimed to identify the contribution of quality of work life to job motivation in a sample of Colombian workers from small and medium enterprises. Quality of working life, work motivation and sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, length of service, position held and type of contract were measured. The results reveal a prevailing dependence on introjected regulation on intrinsic motivation, which suggests potential risks of exhaustion, particularly among men seeking external validation, while women show more autonomous motivations. In addition, motivational profiles differ across age groups and educational levels, underlining the need for tailored strategies to match qualifications with job expectations. The findings advocate holistic organizational interventions that promote job integration, satisfaction and personal development to create a supportive work environment and improve overall motivation. The research highlights the critical role of quality of work life in improving employee well-being, job satisfaction and talent retention, indicating that effective organizational management prioritises workers' physical and psychological environments.