No matter what industry or what size company; employee motivation is one of the key factors that determine the success of an organization. But motivating employees can be easier said than done! So how can you keep your team motivated? Here are a few ideas (beyond just pay raises):
- Get buy-in.
Employees will NOT be motivated if they don’t believe in the company. It’s important to build a firm base for your employees, so they feel that they have a real stake in the company. They should know about the company’s past and its future – its history and your vision for where it’s going. Your employees need to feel that the company takes a real interest in them and in what their goals are. - Gather feedback.
Employee feedback should be an integral part of company planning. Your team can provide outstanding ideas for improving service, products, and operations. Often, your team will notice small changes in the day-to-day operations that can have a dramatic impact on the bottom-line. Listening to your employees makes them feel appreciated and provides a sense of accomplishment that can go a long way. - Set the tone early.
Something that is often overlooked is a good orientation and training plan for employees. A good orientation sets the tone for new hires and outlines what is expected of them from management and their coworkers. - Provide training.
Take an active interest in your workers’ career and professional growth. Many are looking for advancement opportunities within the company. Managers should work with them to develop a career plan that will help them to achieve these opportunities. If workers know that they can advance, they will be more engaged in what they are doing now. Don’t forget about career development through continuing education. Employees should be encouraged to participate in workshops and seminars, adult education classes, and on-the-job training. The company should foot the bill. Again, if the employees see that the company is investing in them, it will show in their attitude toward work. - Reward your team.
Occasionally, you also want to show your appreciation for your employees by doing something for them, such as buying lunch for the staff, closing the office for a day, or knocking off early on a Friday afternoon. Also, don’t hold back on praise or encouragement for a job well done. It will be appreciated.
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