The way we communicate and interact with employees can have a significant impact on motivation levels and productivity. In this article, we take a look at various psychological techniques and employee motivation strategies to inspire teams and boost productivity.
1. Provide Immediate Feedback
Employees respond positively to active feedback methods that are connected to individual and organizational success. People are naturally attracted to short-term evaluations of performance, which allows for more rapid correction and enhancement processes than traditional quarterly or annual assessments. Continuous feedback on performance gives every employee a stronger feeling of investment in your organizational goals and builds stronger relationships that stand the test of time. Employees also appreciate the rapid correction of problems and the power to move forward towards new opportunities to restart progress on new tasks.
2. Promote Scheduling Flexibility
Flexible scheduling and work arrangements reduce infrastructure overhead while promoting employee productivity. With modern technology, the potential for part- or full-time telecommuting and remote working allows many companies to experiment with flexible scheduling for some employees. Many studies and real-life experiences have shown that employees who are allowed to work remotely at least part-time are much more satisfied and motivated to be productive.
A flexible management approach to personal and family needs regarding scheduling also promotes positive feelings and loyalty among employees.
3. Encourage Breaks and Physical Activity
Providing regular short breaks throughout the day is another one of the employee motivational strategies that increase performance and work satisfaction at the same time. When employees are encouraged to take five or ten minutes every hour or so to move around the office or go to the break room for a snack, their overall performance is generally enhanced. They are also less likely to be distracted by their phones while they are at their desks.
Employees also perform better when they are able to exercise regularly. Whether your company can provide club-level workout opportunities or simply promotes exercise during lunch breaks, supporting employees’ physical health increases productivity.
4. Reward Accomplishments
Employees place great value on workplace recognition, and studies have shown that most people enjoy public recognition more than any corporate gift. Employees who can see that praise is connected to promotions, bonuses, and raises are highly motivated to fulfill reasonable requirements for recognition. In addition to higher productivity, employees who are recognized for objective success are more often retained, miss less work, and have higher safety performances. Rewarding personal accomplishments that are connected to a company’s overall mission and goals has a direct effect on organizational success.
5. Create Incentives
In addition to public recognition, employees respond very well to tangible bonuses. Whether in recognition of individual or team performance, financial incentives such as cash bonuses, gift cards, or a night on the town are highly motivational. Other incentives to consider are additional vacation days, free parking, or use of company perks or benefits.
6. Provide Career and Educational Development Opportunities
Employees are more loyal and dedicated to companies that promote their individual human capital. Covering some or all tuition and costs of educational opportunities and participation in seminars or certification courses shows an employee that the company is directly invested in their long-term success. Companies that make it their policy to promote from within when possible also find a direct correlation to employee loyalty and retention.
7. Encourage Employee Input and Creativity
As basic as it sounds, many managers ignore the power of giving a workplace voice to employees. Listening should be emphasized as a key skill in promoting employee engagement and productivity. Everyone has opinions about things in the workplace that can be improved, and a process of regularly seeking input from everyone keeps them engaged and motivated to look for creative ways to improve the workplace.
These seven employee motivational strategies should help you to make the workplace more engaging and productive. If you decide to invest in your employees’ training and development, reach out to StaffScapes. Our staff can help you create and administer a proactive training program that brings you a return on your investment. We’d love the opportunity to examine where you are and where we can go together. For more information, call our PEO experts today.
We look forward to speaking with you.