Finding the right employee is one thing, but keeping them motivated isn’t always so easy. We all have days when we don’t want to get out of bed or when our colleagues get on our nerves. However, if that is how your employees feel every day, then it is time to do something about it. We’ve looked around other workplaces and within ourselves to see what makes a happy worker. Here are some tips for motivation.
Be a role model
Have you ever been affected by someone’s mood? Probably! This can also happen with motivation. When employees notice that their supervisor or other coworkers are feeling listless, then it is tough for them to stay motivated. Here is where communication is key. Be an example for your employees by being honest with them, giving them confidence and by clarifying ideas and expectations.
Understand the whole person
In large companies, it is especially difficult to get a sense of someone’s whole personality. Often, you don’t see the whole picture. However, each employee has a private life filled with likes, interests and needs. These private factors can absolutely influence their motivation in the office. Stay aware of these aspects and create an environment where your employee can talk freely about their problems, fears and desires.
Be flexible
Whoever values their employee and appreciates the whole person should be flexible about work days and time. Many people have children. Some people are more creative and productive at certain times of the day. If it is possible, their job time should be flexible in order to accommodate them. In the end, it will be beneficial for all. Another alternative such as job sharing can be considered too.
Define goals
If you are unsure about what you are working on, then it is difficult to stay motivated. This doesn’t mean that the employee has to reach every goal that they set. Instead, it means that they should set goals so that they can know what they are working toward. This helps set expectations. It also makes them happy to know that once they have completed their task, they have achieved their goal. That will surely motivate them.
Create challenges
We are always seeking out new challenges in order to stay motivated. Trust your employees implicitly and expect more out of them. They want a sense of responsibility so that they feel like they are doing more and are challenged. Although challenge is helpful for motivation, don’t overwork your employees because that will result in the complete opposite effect.
Provide training opportunities
A lot of workers complain about the lack of training opportunities especially in the social sector. We always have a lot to do for our jobs, but each person deserves a chance to develop, learn new things and satisfy their thirst for knowledge. This is not only important for the workers, but also for the entire company. It is important to be aware of their talents and encourage. This will make them feel appreciated and respected which will increase motivation.
Give feedback
This point is pretty self-explanatory and clear to everyone. However, in practice, it isn’t always done correctly. When giving feedback, you shouldn’t completely praise or criticize someone. There needs to be a balance. During the discussion, respect should be the most important factor above everything else. Show your employee that you respect them and give them the opportunity to voice their feedback too. Negative feedback requires the right communication strategy. I recommend “nonviolent communication” by Marshall B. Rosenberg.
Hand over responsibility
The younger generation especially looks forward to more responsibility. They want to feel like they are doing something of their own accord and have some self-determination instead of being given an order from above. Although it isn’t easy to give up responsibility and control, it is extremely important to motivate your employees. Trust yourself. You hired this person and believe in them so could they really do anything that horrible? Transferring responsibility shows your employees that you trust them, respect their talents and that they have a voice. There isn’t a better feeling than that.
To recap, here are the tips:
- Be a role model
- Understand the whole person
- Be flexible
- Define goals
- Create challenges
- Provide training opportunities
- Give feedback
- Hand over responsibility
Originally published June 19, 2017
