5 Ways to Motivate Employees

We are all familiar with traditional methods of motivating employees within our organizations. Offering good compensation and bonuses for targets achieved, praising teams’ performances, encouraging joint decision-making, and leading by example are all second nature to many business people. However, as time and business evolve so too must the way we get the best from our employees. It becomes more and more necessary to use more creative ways to increase motivational levels within our organizations. Here are my 5 Ways to Motivate Employees.

1.Help employees understand the ‘Why’

When welcoming new employees into your organization ensure it is made crystal clear to them why their roles are so vital. In other words, why exactly they are doing their jobs and what they are out to achieve in terms of making client or customers’ lives easier. Resist the temptation to instruct them on how to achieve this- rather give them the purpose. This is more motivating as it supplies a challenge and empowers them to use their initiative. The results of this are more self-motivated employees who are more personally accountable for their objectives.2

2. Acknowledge all progress made

It’s vital for employees to feel like they are accomplishing something and that their work is making a difference. Whether departmentally or individually (depending on the size of your organization), make sure to acknowledge the progress that is being made whether or not a target has been hit. It’s easy to feel demotivated if we fail to reach a specific goal, however, giving up at that point is detrimental to future success. If your employees receive recognition for whatever they do accomplish in the right direction (if their efforts have been good enough), it will inspire them to work harder to exceed their objectives.

3. Provide for career development

By encouraging your employees to develop their skills you communicate your faith and interest in them, as well as reinforcing the importance of their role within the organization. Also, opening the application of job vacancies to existing staff will heighten their motivation and entice them to invest more in the organization.

4. Encourage work-life balance

The modern workplace puts much emphasis on the importance of work-life balance. Employers are also aware of that a healthier work-life balance results in the best performances from their employees. A happy employee is a motivated employee so invest in developing fun and leisure activities in your organization, such as celebrating staff birthdays and marking important company anniversaries. A company that laughs together stays together. Not only will this build team spirit across an organization, but it will also engender a genuine affection amongst employees.

5. Know employees as individuals

While this may be challenging in larger organizations, but certainly within departments, it’s vital for Directors and team leaders to invest in developing a good rapport with their subordinates. Every individual – even when doing the same jobs- has a unique skill-set and work style. Having an open-door policy so your people feel you are accessible and open to their views makes them feel more appreciated.