Lack of motivation in the workplace is a major problem for employers and managers- it leads to decreasing productivity, passive behavior and an increase in absenteeism. On a larger level it leads to what one can call “internal termination”. Employee motivation is an important issue for managers at all levels. But how do you motivate the employees? The “classic” way – bonuses and salaries – is usually not enough, it also creates negative pressure and an in-house competition.
Efficient and long term Employee Motivation Techniques
An efficient way to motivate staff considered several elements that can be categorized as follows: Motivation on the task itself, Motivation through the support via the corporate structure, Motivation on team-building aspects, Motivation through emphasis on personal development, Motivation on support in private life.
We have the 4 key tips for you on how to create employee motivation as a manager
Competencies and structures
It is very important that employees feel that they are performing a meaningful task and possess all the skills required for it. Therefore it may work better to delegate tasks on a complete the project- so that they have an overview, instead of assigning bits and pieces to different employees.
Likewise, the internal organization structure is an important factor for employee motivation: Avoid bureaucratic obstacles, create conditions for efficient work processes and provide your employees with all the technical assistance they need.
Teamwork and Career Development
Your employees should feel that they are an equal part of the company and work hand in hand with the others in the company. Functioning teamwork is key here: Each employee makes his contribution towards the success of the company, there is a pleasant working atmosphere and in a crisis situations, your employees can rely on the support of other team members.
Equally crucial is that your employees can develop themselves professionally. Therefore when ready, you need to assign them with more tasks and responsibilities in certain positions, and provide for solid career moves ahead.
Space
Your employees have a private life, their family, interests and recreation are very important factors. If your employees get the impression that you are putting in a lot more work flowing through to your private life, this may also have a negative effect on their motivation in the workplace.
Make it clear to them, therefore, that you respect their right to private life and that you do not define performance on their overtime, but at the fulfillment of set goals.
Giving true feedback
Everyone strives for recognition. You do not have to be exaggerating but a small praise here and there does no harm. On the contrary, feedback makes an employee understand how their work is perceived by others. They realize that their efforts were not in vain, which in turn may inspire them to continue to strive for success.
This does not always mean that you just praise your employees. The secret recipe is to provide them with constructive feedback. This refers to feedback that does not necessarily blame anyone. Rather, explicitly show the employees where improvement can be made without the need to be judgmental.
Everyone can make mistakes, but the idea is how to create a learning environment in your team to move forward.
Hopefully in your current team leader or manager role, you can use these pointers and create a productive team culture!
