This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
According to a 2015 Society for Human Resource Management survey, only 69% of employees felt they were consistently putting all their effort into their work. This highlights the importance of motivating employees to achieve business success.
While monetary benefits are essential, a 2014 study found that they do not top the list of motivating factors for employees. Instead, factors such as peer motivation, feeling encouraged and recognised, and making a difference are the top motivators.
Establish a Clear Vision ¶
As a business owner, it is essential to establish a clear vision for your business. This vision should be clearly articulated to every member of the team, enabling them to relate with it and understand how their role makes a difference in society.
Having a clear vision helps achieve better results with employees who feel more connected to the company. Your vision should be about more than just making money; it should be meaningful and worthwhile, with a reasonable plan to achieve the goal and measurable steps towards achieving it.
Ensure Healthy Work-Life Balance ¶
Riding employees hard to meet tight deadlines may temporarily boost productivity, but it can diminish employee morale in the long run. It is essential to ensure that employees have adequate time to satisfy their basic human needs, including family, social life, and other interests outside of work.
Developing a system that recognises employees' need for work-life balance is crucial. This can be achieved by setting realistic time limits, introducing flexible working hours, and allowing time for leave.
Focus on Individuals ¶
Recognise that each department in your company is made up of individuals, each with their own skills, experience, expectations, and goals. Every individual needs to feel heard and appreciated for their contribution to the team.
Make time to have one-on-one interactions with each employee to understand their needs and goals. This will help you tailor your approach to motivate and engage each individual.
