I’ll put it as simply as I can: There are an awful lot of unmotivated employees out there. With a recent national study showing that less than 1 in 4 non- management employees is fully engaged (aka, fully motivated and productive), there is, shall we say, ample room for improvement. And since an employee’s relationship with his or her direct manager is the single most important factor influencing engagement, the responsibility falls to management to improve motivational levels. So read on as I share easy ways to motivate your employees.
Align individual economic interests with company performance – Okay, so this first one isn’t quite as easy as the others; it does take more doing at the highest management levels than the rest. But incentive compensation programs that give employees at all levels of an organization a chance to benefit when a company prospers… can naturally boost motivation (always assuming solid individual performance in order for one to share in financial rewards).
Take a genuine interest in the future path of an employee’s career – It does wonders for an employee’s attitude to believe that a manager really cares about where his or her career is headed. Mentoring, coaching, suggesting additional training or coursework – all of these can be helpful to employees, and highly valued.
Take a genuine interest in their work-life balance – To the extent that managers can offer some flexibility in schedules… and be understanding about family commitments, doctors’ appointments and so on – such sensitivity can be greatly appreciated. Small gestures often make a big difference.
Listen – This is an easy one: Just listen thoughtfully. To employees’ ideas for job improvement… or their problems, concerns, frustrations, conflicts, dramas, kids’ issues, parents’ issues, grandparents’ issues – you name it, I’ve heard it. Okay, so you do have to separate the wheat from the chaff and as a manager it can wear you out at times – but within reason, intelligent listening is an integral part of the job. (If someone is a chronic malingerer, and carps for the sake of carping, just tell them to knock it off and get back to work. But if someone is a good employee… well, people appreciate being heard.)
Do unto others as you would have done unto you – When it comes to treatment of subordinates, this is as basic as it gets. But powerful too – still as valid today as it was a few thousand years ago. It shows you respect your employees as individuals, and for the job they do.
Make it a great day!