The best ways to improve motivation at work

Instilling a sense of motivation in your staff is vital. Listen to this advice of business owners who have successfully managed to boost morale and motivation in their workplaces

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on SmallBusiness.co.uk

Staff motivation is talked about a lot at the moment, as more and more employees look elsewhere for employment. Many businesses have started to use incentives and motivational techniques to attract the best workers and retain their current staff.

Research shows that more than half (56%) of employees would be more inclined to work in a job with a unique workplace – young professionals, in particular, are said to search for companies with ‘funky’ workplaces. 

Engagement

However a ping pong table or quirky chair will not keep your staff there and productive. They need to be engaged. This requires everyone to buy into a shared philosophy and goal.

Matthew Reed, founder of Equipsme

Different bosses use different techniques in the hope of greater staff productivity. Some prefer to be more assertive, and harder on their employees, while others believe a more laid-back approach is most productive and will join in with the Friday drinks or give out pizza in the office.

There’s no right or wrong answer, but finding a balance is normally most effective. Offering real employee benefits shows you care far more than a round of pints every week or so, though this also won’t go unnoticed 

In a survey of 3,000 adults in full-time employment, employee benefits was second to only salary as a factor which keeps them motivated.

 

Employee health

Health is wealth. The boss showing they prioritise the well-being of their workers is incredibly important and a great source of motivation. This could include the offer of a free gym membership and healthcare or dental packages 

Stress is one of the biggest concerns. 70% of workers questioned included stress support in their health insurance plan. 

Training

Progression is one of the aspects workers look for most when applying for jobs. Offering routes for personal growth, such as training days and workshops, can be a great way to tap into the desires of your workforce. As well as improving their skills, your staff should also return refreshed and ready to work harder than ever. 

Staff rewards

Who doesn’t love to feel rewarded? Whether that be a lollypop for a child after braving it through an appointment at the dentist, or an end-of-year bonus, recognition goes along way.

If you notice an employee is doing well, tell them! Positive reinforcement is one of the best motivators and a great way to inspire productivity. 

Lana Elie, CEO of Floom

Lana found the most success in being transparent and communicating well with her staff. A shared goal is vital; if each worker feels valued, and as though they have responsibility in a job which is working towards the greater good, then everyone benefits. 

Employees should be encouraged to be honest about their skills, allowing the manager to assist where possible and benefit the business.

Simon Couchman, creative director of ICG 

Simon spoke of the need to treat everyone equally. Monthly – or even better, weekly – meetings ensure that the whole team is on the same page and working in the same direction, as does an email updating staff on what’s going on in the company. Small details go a long way.

Simon even suggests offering workers a share of the company’s yearly profits, given in the form of an annual bonus. This financially motivates staff to work to their best standard, benefiting themselves and the company as a whole.

 

Team getaways

Getaways or away days are a great ways to improve working relationships and the sense of togetherness in the team. This, Simon says, is best done outside of working hours every month or so. Ideas include bowling, charity events, pub quizzes or, in the summer, a BBQ and sports day games. Friends and family should also be invited. This will help form stronger bonds between colleagues, as they meet each other’s loved ones. 

The idea is to get working well and better together. ICG have also installed better work spaces, allowing for improved collaboration and learning from one another. 

Even the shortest of group meetings will break the monotony of every day office work and improve overall morale and motivation.