All these questions about motivation. About employees. About inspiring the work force. What are motivated employees? Do they exist? If yes, then what do they look like? Are they the ones who get promoted? How do we become motivated employees? More importantly, how do people become motivated to work towards business profitability?
We look around us and we see our work force. Is she a motivated employee? The one who is always quietly working at her desk. Is he a motivated employee — who is always cracking the funniest jokes in the office? Those are all very relevant questions. And the answers are not very easy to find.
The truth is, they don’t come in a uniform or with a sign on their forehead. They come in all sizes and shapes. But yes, they do exist.
One thing is for sure — the motivated ones are happier, more productive and definitely good for business. So then the real question would be — what helps to motivate employees in the work place — for them to be happier and more productive at their work?
No secret ingredient in my recipe for that one. And much as I would like to, I don’t have dragons either. On a serious note though, some things do work to motivate employees across the world — some basic values that determine the work environment of an organization.
If you as a leader can get your culture to adopt and implement values like respect, honesty, appreciation, recognition, commitment and teamwork — you will see a marked difference in the way your employees work. Everyone deserves a healthy, happy and conducive work environment. The trick is to create one which will promote team work and respectful practices. What one should aim for is to build a motivation – oriented culture across the organization instead of practicing motivational tactics in individual teams.
Much as it may surprise a lot of us, money does not guarantee motivation.
For example, your boss bullies you all the time and for each time he bullies you, he promises you an incentive the next time you get it right! Do you see yourself becoming happier at the prospect?
Okay that’s one scenario. Let’s take another example: Let’s say, your work culture is disrespectful, everyone is elbowing for recognition and no one is getting any. The day your promotion is due, your boss informs you that your pay has been raised but you have not been promoted because you are not worth it. You come back from this discussion with a pay raise. Do you see yourself happy? Gratified? Or do you find yourself asking — if my job is really worth it.
To develop an effective culture, people managers and reporting lines need certain behaviors in the workplace which make their working environment more conducive for them. Respect is of course one huge building block. Trust is another. Emancipated, empowered and engaged employees tend to treat the business as their own and build long-term relationships.
Similarly, a more stimulated, flexible and empowered working environment is conducive for employees. Engagement activities like communication campaigns, inbound marketing activities and open spaces in the work place are known to make a significant impact on employee performance. Games in the workplace are another way to make employees reduce stress levels and enjoy their working hours – a trend that’s on the rise in the world. These are just some of the ideas that I usually discuss with peers in terms of employee engagement and internal communication.
I found this infographic, a good way to look at how employee motivation levels are enhanced through various tactics. I hope you will find the information useful as you design your employee engagement campaigns.
Do share with us, what you think helps to motivate employees in the workplace. We look forward to hearing more about your experiences.
For now, have a great weekend!
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