Work motivation is influenced by internal and external forces that direct employee behavior and determine how hard they work and how long they persist in their work. There are three key elements that influence work motivation: the direction and focus of behavior, the level of effort provided, and the persistence of the behavior. An employee's needs and drives create tension that influences their motivation, including primary needs like physical needs and secondary needs like social and psychological needs. Motivational factors in the work environment like opportunities, rewards, and job requirements also impact work motivation.