Do you know what motivates your employees? Here's a rundown of employee types from the new study by Maritz Inc. (See page 29.)

FREEDOM YEARNERS make up 17 percent of the workforce and are less materially motivated than other employee types and are best rewarded with flexibility in their hours, work projects, and conferences. They would probably not enjoy a trip where every minute is scheduled.

NESTERS (20 percent) don't like to be far from their spouses and children. Work/life balance is especially important to people in this group, so flexible schedules and family dinners out are appealing rewards.

AWARD SEEKERS (22 percent) want rewards with both a monetary and a trophy value. They are younger than other segments and like to travel.

For the BOTTOM LINERS (19 percent), it's all about the monetary value of the reward. They care far less than other groups about praise from employers or the trophy value of a reward. They want cash bonuses or cumulative award points that they can save up to obtain rewards.

Another segment of employees seeks recognition from managers and peers above all other rewards. PRAISE CRAVERS, as the study dubs them, make up 16 percent of the study respondents.

UPWARD MOVERS (8 percent) are the least interested in cash rewards or job flexibility. They are best motivated by status rewards, dining with company executives, or mentoring other employees.