Motivated staff will perform better in their jobs, and are likely to remain in a job for much longer. Of course, different things motivate different people, but even a healthy pay cheque at the end of the month is not a guarantee that staff will retain their motivation for work. People need to feel happy and respected at work, and this is where a positive and motivating work environment comes in.
Studies have shown that an employee tends to be motivated for the first six months in a new job role, then there is a steady decline. So how can you create a working environment that helps staff to feel positive and motivated day to day?
What makes a great workplace?
A great workplace is where people feel they are respected, valued, able to raise concerns, and able to contribute ideas. In a healthy workplace, people work together for the good of the organisation.
How you can create a great place to work?
Make staff feel valued and respected
Your staff are valuable to you and your business, so show them. Whether it’s having an Employee of the Month award, or holding regular social events like after work drinks, it’s important to show them that you care. The result will be a happier and more motivated workforce.
Set an example
You expect your staff to conduct themselves in a certain way, so make sure you do the same, and lead by example. Treat people with respect, and you’ll get the same back.
Offer opportunities for professional development
Offering training and development opportunities demonstrates that you’re willing to invest in your staff which is important. It will make staff feel valued and motivated, you’ll have the best people working for you with the most up to date skills, and that can only benefit your business. If staff feel they are able to grow while working for you, they will be more motivated to do well, and more likely to stay.
Communicate with employees
Make sure you’re accessible, and that you have regular contact with your staff, including meetings, where they can be kept up to date and raise any issues or concerns they might have. Even something as simple as greeting staff each day can make them feel motivated, valued, and not like they’re just a ‘number’.
Encourage creativity and individuality
If employees feel they can contribute ideas to benefit the organisation or improve services, they’ll feel more valued and motivated. It also allows them to stamp some individuality on their job role. If they are running with an idea they’ve came up with, they’re more likely to be enthusiastic about it.
Be positive
Negativity has an impact on motivation. Be a positive leader, and people will be motivated to work for you. Negativity is very draining and it can impact upon business performance and lead to employees looking for employment elsewhere.
If people are motivated and happy at work, they perform better, and your organisation can achieve its goals. Creating a great place to work doesn’t need to be difficult. It can be the simple things that make people feel appreciated and help your organisation become a shining example of a place where people really want to work.
If you are interested in learning more about Maureen’s research, looking at relationships between character strengths, mindfulness and trustworthiness in business entrepreneurs e mail mOCallaghan@lincoln.ac.uk