Employee Motivation: 5 ways to encourage your team

By Victoria Fellows

December 27, 2022

Employee Motivation. So you’ve landed a new, challenging position in an exceptional organisation. It ought to be your dream job, and on paper it is. The work is interesting, the pay is great, and the organisation provides many benefits. However, one way or another, it just doesn’t gel. You feel disappointed and unsettled, but you can’t put your finger on the reason for your demotivation.The latest research from CV Library reveals one possible reason for this. A staggering 77% of the UK workforce believe that their colleagues don’t work hard enough. This can lead to negative feelings of job dissatisfaction and demotivation in their role.

Data from this research also revealed that over half of employees work with people they dislike or find frustrating. Just over a third of these people indicated that their workplace has a negative atmosphere due to the people around them.

The majority of employees claiming to support their colleagues both in work and personally. However, 26% admitted to becoming jealous when their co-workers received a promotion. Respondents to the survey also revealed that individual salaries may not be a company’s bbest-kept secret. As 37% of staff admitted to discussing salaries or pay rises with their colleagues.

The effects of poor motivation in the workplace are well-attested. Some of these are higher employee turnover, lower levels of engagement, poor communication, and reduced productivity. But these are just a few issues that may multiply and lead to a workplace becoming toxic.

So, how can you motivate and encourage staff? Here are a few ideas on how to encourage positive and productive employees.

1. SHOW APPRECIATION

Let employees know when you’re pleased with their work, so they realise you notice their contributions. Regardless of whether it’s noting their commitments in a meeting, recognising them in a staff email or simply telling them in person, it’s imperative that you show hardworking employees gratitude.

In some cases, all individuals need is some acknowledgment for a job well done. If an employee has been dedicating a lot of time working on a project, or they went out of their way to help out a colleague, do not hesitate to praise them. If individuals feel appreciated, they will feel motivated to continue working hard.

2. INVEST IN THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Tell your employees you care about their development by encouraging them to gain certifications, attend meetings and workshops. This interesting article explains more.

If you’re unable to offer training, then try giving them room to grow by offering additional responsibilities. This is particularly important if your business is growing. Giving your employees space to develop inside the organisation is an immense inspiration for them.

3. WORK ON GOALS AND PROVIDING PROMISING CAREER PATHS

The purpose of goals is to help employees improve in their job. It allows you to develop their short- and long-term goals and increases the likelihood that they will be achieved. Make sure to set realistic goals as this will lead to increased commitment from the employee to the employer. The members of your team will be more valuable to your organisation, and to themselves, when they have the chances to learn new abilities.

Provide your employees with the preparation they require to progress in their careers and to learn about the latest technologies and industry news. Make sure you build the career paths available to everyone and then provide the necessary tools to support advancement, such as pairing staff with mentors and providing training.

4. BE FLEXIBLE

Nowadays, the ability to work flexibly is a key consideration for employees. Considering offering employees, the chance to start earlier to finish earlier, the ability to work from home, or working longer hours each day so they can have a certain day off each week.

It’s important that your staff have a life outside of the workplace. If they feel pressured to stay late and work through their lunch break, it will start to take a toll on them.

It’s down to you to promote a good work-life balance at your company and encourage staff to go home on time, take their lunch breaks and not check emails in their personal time.

Alongside this check in with your employees on a regular basis to find out how they’re coping with their workload. It can be hard for employees to approach you if they’re struggling so it’s important to prompt these conversations.

5. SET AN EXAMPLE

As a team leader, individuals are going to look up to you to set an example for the rest of the business and setting the right example can have a meaningful effect on the mindset of your employees. If you work hard and stay optimistic during challenges and harder times, your employees will be likely to do the same. If you set an example of positivity and understanding, your employees will mirror you which will enhance the culture of the work environment.

In bigger organisations, it’s vital to pass this idea to all the leaders who work individually with others, especially bosses and supervisors. Having consistent good examples across the board can dramatically adjust the landscape of your workplace.