This research summary, based on a review of the literature and a series of focus groups with NHS staff, shows that while it is difficult to measure how people feel about their work, there is much to suggest that morale and motivation of the NHS workforce are low. It identifies three key factors that affect morale and motivation : whether staff feel valued, their working environment, and resources and pay. It argues that good staff morale and motivation will be critical to achieving the Government's ambitious plans for modernising the NHS, and shows there is evidence to suggest that healthy morale and motivation have positive impacts on patient care and outcomes. It concludes with a series of recommendations. [Introduction]