Seven Employee Motivation Strategies to Enhance Productivity

The way we communicate and interact with employees can have a significant impact on motivation levels and productivity. Below are techniques and  strategies to inspire teams and boost productivity.

1. Provide Immediate Feedback

Employees respond positively to active feedback methods connected to individual and organizational success. People are naturally attracted to short-term performance evaluations, which allow for more rapid correction than traditional quarterly or annual assessments. Continuous feedback on performance gives every employee a stronger feeling of investment in your organizational goals. It 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 employee motivational strategy that increases performance and work satisfaction. When employees are encouraged to take five or ten minutes every hour 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 can exercise regularly. Whether your company can provide club-level workout opportunities or promote 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 recognized for objective success are 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 are additional vacation days, free parking, or 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 employees a workplace voice. Listening should be emphasized as a critical skill in promoting employee engagement and productivity. Everyone has opinions about things in the workplace that can be improved, and regularly seeking input 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, contact StaffScapes. Our team can help you create and administer a 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.