What’s the Secret Behind Keeping Your Employees Motivated?
Many companies across all trades are experiencing high levels of turnover. Some blame lies with the 2020 global coronavirus pandemic, but others would say it merely exacerbated existing work conditions.
Businesses are looking for unique ways to motivate their team. But they really needn’t look further than simple respect.
Psychologist Frederick Irving Herzberg determined two factors that affect employee motivation. Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation was established in 1968 and still holds true today. Herzberg theorized that employee productivity was directly related to job satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
Recognition and the nature of their work were among the satisfaction factors. Polled employees reported dissatisfaction with working conditions and supervisors’ micromanagement, two complaints many employees today would make.
Focusing on these four motivation boosters can help keep employees happy and productive.
- Supportive Environment
Mental health is at the forefront of every aspect of life right now. Many unhappy workers take to social media to detail the toxic work environments they endure at their jobs. Low pay, high demand, or interpersonal issues can cause workplace toxicity that leaves an employee no choice but to find another job.
Managers and HR departments can stop the floodgates from opening by listening to employees and taking their grievances seriously. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace: 2022 report finds that employees are focused on how their job improves or hurts their overall well-being.
- Pleasant Workspace
Toxic work environments can extend to the literal environment a company builds for its employees. Working in dark, drab spaces can negatively affect production. Most companies may not have the funds to create a billion-dollar employee campus like Apple or Facebook. However, all most employees want is good lighting and the proper equipment to do their jobs.
A pleasant workplace aesthetic can help reduce your employees’ stress and make them want to come to work every day.
- Perks and Rewards
A few perks go a long way in keeping employees loyal and dedicated. Paid vacation days, providing donuts or other food incentives, and flexible work schedules are some perks to consider.
Additionally, employees respond positively to being recognized and rewarded for their hard work. The rewards don’t have to be elaborate; a shoutout during a team meeting to show appreciation would suffice for many employees.
Current employees often feel disrespected when new hires are offered more or better perks than long-time employees. The lesson is: don’t neglect your most loyal employees.
- Offer Upward Mobility
Imagine working your hardest and throwing your hat into the ring for a promotion, only to have your employer fill the position with an outsider. Many employees cite the lack of upward mobility as a reason for wanting to leave their current job.
Offer your employees a clear path upward and consider current employees for promotions before extending the search outside the company.
Many businesses are facing a struggle retaining long-time employees in a post-pandemic world. Companies are looking to hire new employees but make the mistake of neglecting or ignoring the dedicated ones they already have.
Keeping your employees motivated will lower the number jumping ship for other opportunities.
