How to Motivate Your Employees in Five Different Ways

It is no secret that enterprises with happy employees tend to be more successful. Those with a passion for their work and a sense of purpose are more productive. They take fewer sick days and are less likely to leave their jobs.

Employees who are unmotivated, on the other hand, may only perform what they believe is acceptable. They may even become toxic, affecting morale and damaging working relationships.

How do you keep your employees motivated?

It is important to understand that what motivates one member of staff might not motivate another. Money may motivate some, while recognition or a challenging work environment may motivate others. It is important to understand what motivates your employees and find ways to reward them accordingly.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to motivating and engaging your team. We have outlined five ways to help you on this journey.

Step 1: A Managers impact on motivation

As a manager, you are a driving force in motivating or demotivating those on your team. 

One of the key factors driving employee engagement was determined to be an “engaging manager.” 

You are in charge of creating a workplace that people want to go to every day. The culture you create and the relationships you develop will play a crucial role. Without this, productivity and staff turnover will suffer.

Some managerial practices that are conducive to motivation:

• Establishing and maintaining trust 
• Effective communication
• Consistency

Step 2: Offer incentives to motivate your employees

Incentives can take many forms. Ideally, you should adapt your incentives to the needs of each individual employee. Never assume that because one form of incentive works for some employees, that others will be motivated by the same thing. 

Gifts of monetary value may be preferred by some employees. Examples of these can be paid time off, bonuses, or gift cards.

However, others may prefer being rewarded with social events, such as a meal out or a trip. Getting staff together for social or networking events is also a great way to break down barriers and get to know your team on a more personal level.

Step 3: Praise and recognition to drive employee motivation

One of the best ways to motivate is to show trust in your teams talent. When you start believing in them, you will see an increase in confidence, commitment and productivity levels.

Acknowledge their efforts with genuine praise, and make sure they know how their work contributes to success. 

Public recognition for a job well done can be very motivating, but private praise is just as valuable. 

When employees know they are making a difference and being appreciated for their efforts, they’re more likely to work harder.

Employee recognition programs are also an excellent way to show your appreciation to your employees.

Step 4: Provide effective feedback and support

Maintaining a motivated workforce requires feedback and support. Managers should provide regular feedback on their employees’ work and support them when they run into problems at work.

It is the manager’s responsibility to provide the tools needed by their employees, such as training and information.

Feedback can be a great tool to help motivate your employees, it is important to let your employees know how well they are doing, or what needs to be improved. However, do not overload with criticism. This can have the opposite effect and demotivate employees. Make sure it is given positively with constructive comments on areas for improvement or development.

During performance appraisals and development reviews, managers can develop skills in encouraging team members and providing constructive feedback.

Make sure that employees are also given a chance to voice their own opinions about how things could improve or change before it’s too late.

Step 5: Create a motivational workplace

A good workplace culture can be a great motivator for employees to work hard, and stay with the company.

A productive environment will make employees feel appreciated and supported, while a negative work culture can have the opposite effect. Creating a motivating workplace culture is not always easy, but it’s worth the effort.

Policies designed to improve motivation may include:

• Working hours that are flexible – Offering flexible working arrangements can help motivate employees and increase employee retention.
• Offer employees autonomy over their work
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork among staff members, so they feel like their efforts are being recognised by others in the company.
• Create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions
• Employee benefits schemes, such as help with travel or transport.
• Training and development opportunities and/or promotion opportunities

We hope you find these tips helpful as you work to create a motivating and positive work environment for your team. What have you found to be the most effective way to motivate your employees?