Motivating Employees
By A. Precht
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Research has shown that increased workforce motivation contributes to increased productivity and innovation, creative problem solving, reduced turnover and decreased absenteeism. |
In every market, and in every economy, workplace environment and employee morale are vital factors to business success. Too often, small business owners focus exclusively on sales and marketing, overlooking the very people that fill those positions. Research has shown that increased workforce motivation contributes to increased productivity and innovation, creative problem solving, reduced turnover and decreased absenteeism. With such crucial elements at stake, you literally cannot afford to skip the following simple steps to building employee morale.
Two Types of Motivation
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Intrinsic motivation flourishes in an environment where employees feel like they are a part of something larger than themselves. |
Driving your small business to higher levels of performance and profits requires two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is what comes from within, the interest in a task, and the satisfaction that comes from doing a job well. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside oneself, essentially from rewards. Although different people are motivated in different ways, there are a variety of ways to increase both types of motivation in your business.
Igniting the Passion of Intrinsic Motivation
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Fostering morale also comes from ensuring that employees have the expertise and tools they need for competence. |
After you’ve poured time and dollars into starting your business, it can be difficult to understand how your employees may not share your level of motivation. It might be unrealistic to expect them to express the same loyalty to the company, as they don’t have the same level of investment and dreams, but it is completely possible to build their passion for the job and team.
The Right Environment
Intrinsic motivation flourishes in an environment where employees feel like they are a part of something larger than themselves.
You can achieve an atmosphere of inclusion in a number of ways:
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Show a dedication to your mission statement.
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Make sure all members of your team believe in your product and have had a chance to use it firsthand.
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Keep an eye open for rightness of fit of employee to job.
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As you hire and promote, place people where they their passions lie.
Tools and Training
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Some human resource experts believe that non-cash rewards, can have greater impact with employees. |
Fostering morale also comes from ensuring that employees have the expertise and tools they need for competence. From skills training to office equipment, you will help employees feel confident in the job entrusted to them—and confidence leads to productivity. Oftentimes, the most important tool can be communication. Group meetings and team projects make employees feel less isolated and more willing to participate. These are also excellent opportunities for idea brainstorming and quickly create a feeling of solidarity within your business.
Move Beyond a Simple Carrot: Extrinsic Motivation
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Timely recognition for a job well done is vital. |
When it comes to strengthening extrinsic motivation, money may not be everything. Some human resource experts believe that non-cash rewards, such as sports events tickets or lunch out, can have greater impact with employees. This is great news for small business owners who are closely watching their budget.
A Place to Grow
A workplace full of opportunities to grow is a motivational company. Employee development should be a priority and should be executed in performance reviews. After looking at the past, turn your focus to the future and identify pathways for growth.
Just Rewards
Regardless of how you choose to build extrinsic motivation, give employee rewards a personal touch. Get creative and tailor rewards to the individual as much as possible. But don’t waste time thinking—timely recognition for a job well done is vital. Although you may wait until the next meeting for announcing praise of that great sale, offering something immediately will carry the most meaning.
Always be aware of and sensitive to the level of your employees’ morale. If you sense it going down, invite suggestions and new ideas, and be willing to put good ideas into action. Over time, by paying attention to strengthening both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in your company, you’ll find your employees to be more loyal, productive and creative as well as eager to contribute to the team atmosphere of your small business.
