You've hired your dream team and given them the right job titles along with the ideal salaries. Everything seems hunky dory, until about a year in when suddenly you're noticing that morale is missing. Motivation is lacking. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to getting some of that fire back, even in the face of few growth opportunities:
3 tips to engage workers:
- Supportive leadership– Leaders are in a unique position to motivate their employees on a daily basis. Whether it is offering a trusting and sympathetic ear or serving as role models, leaders can and should support their workers. In fact, supportive leadership will allow your workers to more clearly see their own unique paths to success. That in turn will give them the inspiration that they need to remain motivated throughout the year.
- Empower employees– One of the best ways to motivate your workers is to give them a voice. You've already assigned a title and salary, but when dealing with a lack of motivation, you should let workers have a say in how they complete their jobs. Perhaps they will be more productive if they can work remotely one day a week? Maybe they have suggestions for process improvements that can streamline communications? No matter their suggestions, leadership should a) ask for employee input, b) listen carefully, and c) empower their employees if they want to reignite creativity and encourage heightened levels of inspiration.
- Offer rewards– Think outside the box with rewards that will actually recognize your employees' hard work, and inspire them to achieve both short- and long-term goals. The best parking spot, tickets to their favorite sporting event, perhaps a spa day– or a reward of their choosing– are all possible ideas that can spark motivation and produce fantastic results throughout the year.
Motivation Is Made Easier When You Know Your Workers
A recent study suggests that two of the most important motivating factors are feeling supported and recognized. In other words, money only goes so far. These insights can help you motivate your workers, even when facing fewer growth opportunities. Organizations hire dream teams all the time- and then forget to spend time getting to know them after they’ve been onboarded. When you know your employees, you’re better equipped to offer rewards, empower your teams, and provide the supportive leadership that they need to excel.
