MOTIVATION IN THE WORKPLACE: IT’S NOT THE MONEY, IT’S THE MESSAGE

Posted on Tuesday, 16th April - 2019, in ADVICE & TIPS and HOW TO, by Marcus Richards

You see your co-workers, your staff, and the people you manage almost every day. What is it about their engagement in their work – or lack of it – that gets your attention? Do you feel that you are successfully nurturing motivation in the workplace?

Workers aren’t necessarily motivated by their salaries. So, how can you motivate your staff? It turns out that motivation in the workplace stems from a healthy corporate culture. This could be a combination of any of the following: appreciation, pride, and positive reinforcement.

Good pay and regular raises help, but it’s not the money that matters. Here are eight points to consider when you analyze your corporate culture:

MOTIVATION IN THE WORKPLACE STARTS AT THE TOP

DAILY MOTIVATION

Are you a motivated, engaged manager? Workers respond to positive energy and positive reinforcement. Practice positivity by reminding your staff – in big ways and small – that they are important and appreciated. According to one study, positive reinforcement may actually increase performance by blocking the psychological “threat state” that creates stress.

CREATING THE BEST ENVIRONMENT

Our surroundings have a large effect on mood, productivity, and psychological state of mind. Hopefully, your office is clean, well-lit and pleasant, but that’s just the baseline to create a space where motivation can thrive. Allowing the addition of personal touches, live plants, art, photographs, and sculpture add another level to comfort that may help hone focus.

OFFICE “ATMOSPHERE”

Is your office ruled by fear or run with respect? If your staff feel strapped to their desks and feel uncomfortable requesting time off for appointments or vacation time, you may have a problem. Workers thrive in environments that encourage personal time, while cracking the proverbial whip may limit productivity due to preoccupation with the fear of losing one’s job.

TREAT EMPLOYEES AS VALUED PARTNERS

CORPORATE CULTURAL FLEXIBILITY

Also referred to as work/life balance, this is usually a big complaint among employees when they reference a poor work environment. Too many hours on the job means no time for family, friends or hobbies. Inflexible work hours create a feeling of fear when emergencies or family events occur and employees choose between their jobs and their outside lives. A motivated, engaged staff is also a cross-trained staff; workers cover for each other so work gets done while someone is away from the office.

CONTRIBUTING FROM THE GROUND UP

Do your employees feel like important contributors or stepping-stones for the boss’ success? Companies are a collection of all their employees, but if your staff feels undervalued for their contribution they may lack the motivation to help the company grow.

REWARD SUCCESS

BEYOND MONEY

Don’t knock the idea of the employee of the month. Modernize it with digital recognition. Post this person’s accomplishments on the company’s website and Facebook page. Also, consider out-of-the-box incentives like massages, dinners, and team building getaways.

RESPONSIBILITIES AS REWARDS

Reward completed goals and challenges with new ones. Let the staff know that the future success of the company builds upon their personal successes. You trust them because they’ve done a good job and will continue to do so.

ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY MEETINGS

One staff meeting a week. That’s all it takes. Present action plans, review results and assign team responsibilities, but don’t eat up time and focus with too many gatherings. Hold employees responsible and accountable for their weekly goals, praise the go-getters who meet their challenges, and let them fly free.

FINISHING UP

Team building is more than coffee-fueled meetings and nights at the local bar. It’s a shared sense of belonging and experience, built inside and outside the office. Unique Team Building offers activities that focus on inspiring and motivating challenges. Please contact us today for further information!