The more motivated your team, the more productive they are. Every person’s motivation is different. For some, incentive-based motivation works best; for others, it’s acknowledgement; and for some people, it’s connection and community, writes workplace wellbeing expert, Chelsea Pottenger.

As a manager, supervisor or business owner, it is in your best interest to understand each employee’s unique motivation to unlock their productivity.

The benefits of understanding each employee’s motivations include:

1. Higher job satisfaction
2. Reduced absenteeism
3. Increased productivity and employee performance
4. Better quality work produced
5. Attracting more high-level employee candidates

How to encourage strong employee motivation?

 1. Outline clear goals

To motivate employees, shared and individual business goals should be in place. SMART goals that are clear and concise energise behaviour, giving employee direction and a challenge.

When each employee understands how important their role is in contributing to larger company objectives, they’re often more focused and motivated to achieve goals that result in success for both the business and them.

2.    Recognise and reward employees

Acknowledge employees’ success, whether small or big. When employees reach milestones and are thanked for their effort, job satisfaction increases along with employee motivation and productivity. A simple thank you, public announcement or expression of gratitude will boost confidence in employees and make them feel appreciated.

Another way to reward employees is by offering incentives. Employee incentives come in a variety of forms including bonuses, travel perks, subsidies for education, gift cards and health memberships, and drive employee motivation as they offer more to strive for than a regular pay check.

3. Workplace culture 

As human beings, we are wired to crave connection with others. Building a positive workplace community and culture will form stronger bonds between your employees. When employees feel like valuable members of a team, they are more motivated to come to work each day.

Ideas to build a more connected culture include organising social events for employees, hosting team meals, having a ‘no lunch at your desk’ policy, cutting meeting times, encouraging casual dress Fridays, and creating an environment that your team is inspired to work in.

4. Support your team’s wellbeing

When you support your employees’ wellbeing, you are supporting the mental health of your workplace. Whether you offer yoga classes, mindfulness training or wellbeing days, your employees will feel looked after and cared for, and therefore, more likely to want to give back to the business.

High levels of stress can lead to burnout which decreases productivity and increases employee absenteeism. Offering mindfulness, resilience and stress management training for your staff will provide them with the tools to make healthy lifestyle changes, leading to growth and greater levels of motivation.

5. Provide meaningful work

People want to feel like they are making a difference and doing valuable work. A key motivator for many employees is understanding that the work they’re doing is having an impact in some shape or form.

Educate your employees on the company’s mission and why you do what you do. Pass on meaningful assignments to team members and trust them with valuable assignments. This will ensure they feel respected and valued, leading to higher levels of employee engagement.

Whilst money and benefits can be important motivators, the power of culture and wellbeing can unlock a deeper connection to the business, increasing long-term motivation and productivity.

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