It’s the official start of the holiday season. Employers and their employees are excited and, expectedly so. Productivity may be dipping slightly. As the end of the year approaches, the focus drifts slightly away from work, which means it’s time to motivate employees in your business.
We can all recognize highly motivated and engaged employees when we see them. They’re more productive, they don’t hold back, and they go the extra mile time and time again. But why? The simple answer is because they want to. They’re inspired by their work, they believe in their organisation and they feel connected to what the business is trying to achieve. For best results, motivation must be centred on factors that are important to employees on a personal level. These factors vary from employee to employee. So a deep insight into factors that motivate employees is vital.
Luckily, there are many tried and tested methods to motivate employees prior to the year-end.
1. Set New Goals
At the end of the year, employees may feel like their hard work is already done.
Instead of waiting until next year, start to review performance while setting new goals, keep up a continual performance review process that carries through to the end of the year. As the company heads into the final stretch, motivate employees by assessing yearly objectives to see what has been achieved and what still needs to be done. Work with employees to set new goals now already – You don’t need to wait for the new year to start working toward meaningful goals.
2. Focus On The Smaller Things
Once new goals are set, encourage employees to begin taking small steps to achieve them now, otherwise they may become overwhelmed. Celebrating milestones is also about understanding the challenges your employees are facing. When a smaller milestone isn’t met, take the opportunity to see what might not motivate employees and may be blocking their progress.
3. Show Appreciation And Reward Achievement
Employees love to be recognised for their achievements. A workplace that neglects to appreciate deserving employees suffers from negativity and falling quality standards.
When you recognize your employees’ talent and reward them with opportunities that are a tribute to their talent, employees start showing respect, trust and loyalty towards the company.
Rewards do not have to be expensive. A much needed day-off, a genuine note of thanks on the employee’s desk, or an email acknowledging the employee are just a few effective ways to motivate employees.
4. Work On Workplace Aesthetics
A dark, cramped space with dismal furniture is not everybody’s definition of a workplace or office. Employees spend more than half of their day at the workplace, so why not make coming to the office more appealing? A well-presented and well-maintained workplace is crucial to you and your team’s physical and mental well-being, as well as productivity. A good-looking, comfortable space does not only motivate employees, but it’s inviting and sets a good mood for the day to come.
5. Empower Problem Solving And Learning
Create space for your team to solve their own problems. You can provide support and guidance, but it’s important to let employees lead with their own ideas and solutions. That way, they’ll know their skills and perspectives are valued. This will motivate employees to bring new ideas to the table and encourage them to go take the reins on it.
During the holidays, employees need well-deserved family time, but the last few weeks of the year shouldn’t be a waiting game. Time zooms along quicker when we’re locked in and productive. A motivated workforce has the capability to create massive milestones for a business. Such a workforce defines your business and its current and future success. You should nurture such a workforce with effective motivation strategies.
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