Three-quarters of employees feel that training and development opportunities are very important factors in creating a committed workforce, according to a new study looking at what motivates us at work.

The research, carried out on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry, also found that eight in ten workers (83%) would be more committed to their company if it helped them realise their full potential in the workplace.

Work-life balance was also seen as important, six in ten said that being in control of their work-life balance was a crucial factor affecting their productivity. While two-thirds (62%) admitted they would be more inclined to apply for a job with an employer who provided flexible working opportunities.

To help employers take practical steps to address issues such as productivity and employee engagement, the DTI has developed a range of business support materials and advice. In particular, the 'Achieving Best Practice In Your Business' activity encourages employers to adopt and integrate approaches that other businesses have found successful.

Other poll findings include:
* Nearly three quarters (74%) believe that receiving regular feedback and praise from their boss motivates them more than anything else.
* Seven in ten (70%) consider that being asked for their opinion and having a sense of what is going on in the business helps to create a motivated workforce.
* Over half (51%) find meetings that don't start on time to be a problem which impedes the efficiency of their day.
* Nearly half (47%) of workers consider receiving long email 'trails', which are not directly relevant to their day-to-day job, to be a problem.

* The DTI poll involved 500 workers and was conducted in August 2004. DTI guidance on recruiting and retaining a skilled, diverse is available at www.dti.gov.uk/bestpractice.