Most people spend more waking hours at work than they do with family, so the way they perceive the working environment can affect performance, longevity, and overall demeanor. Besides financial compensation, positive reinforcement is often the key to achieving a higher level of morale among employees. To increase workplace motivation, many times, it is simple gestures that make the most significant impact. Include employees in decisions that affect the company, and listen to their points of view. This encourages them to feel less like hired labor and more like integral parts of a productive team. Most of all, when staff members feel respected, they are more likely to exert more effort to benefit the company’s success.
Underpaid, overly-stressed staff members usually do not work at peak performance. If the employees are important to you, make sure they know this, and compensate them accordingly. A bonus for a job well done lets them know they are appreciated. It can also increase feelings of self-worth at a job site, thereby encouraging continued desired behaviors and increase workplace motivation. Catch employees doing something right, and then offer a reward or unexpected bonus. Even a small token of appreciation, such as a coupon for free ice cream, may be just enough recognition to illicit the positive mind-set that inspires staff to put forth a little extra effort.
Team members who socialize together often contribute to each other’s success. Office parties are a popular and fun way to increase workplace motivation. These gatherings can be simple, casual, and do not need to be expensive in order to have a meaningful impact on the staff. Some employers choose to buy lunch for the office once a month as a gesture of appreciation, while others may provide bagels and coffee during morning meetings. Sometimes, it is little things, such as this, that make a big difference in morale.
While positive reinforcement and compensation is important to employees, benefits such as health insurance, vacation pay, and paid personal days-off can affect the way staff members feel about their employers. Companies who do not offer these types of benefits may end up with workers who are frightened about the possibility of becoming ill. Some can be downright exhausted, because they cannot afford to take time off when they need to rest and rejuvenate. When people feel that their employers do not understand or care about them, they tend to resent it and work performance can diminish over time.
Sometimes, the cause of limited enthusiasm at work results from employees who do not get along with one another. As a manager or business owner, you can discourage animosity among coworkers by maintaining a professional environment. Avoid gossiping with subordinates and do not allow anyone else to engage in activities that infringe on the rights of others. Workplace motivation is usually elevated in office settings where employees feel that they are valued and treated with respect.
