Keeping motivation high at work is a big task. Not many people can or are capable of doing that. At times, the working environment too, do not encourage a healthy culture to keep employees physically, mentally and emotionally balanced. No doubt, self-motivation should be the way to go but external motivation can help build self-esteem and inspire employees to deliver their best. What can a good leader do to encourage employees to stay enthusiastic? Read on to learn more.

Source: primal management group inc

 

Reward

Let’s face it. Most people are motivated to go to work for money as we have been classically conditioned to think. Unless the organisation they work with relates to them at some personal level, they are likely to expect some form of reward for all their hard work in addition to their salaries. If you notice your staff getting to work on time, completing all given tasks and taking the initiative to improve work processes, reward him. It can be monetary or it can be in the form of a promotion. Offices today are getting flexible with positions, creating new ones to fit certain roles, so there is always space for promotions or re-designations. Leaders can also create a system to award these individuals with recognitions like employee of the month, most punctual, most organised, most creative and any other categories deemed fit for your organisation. This will boost their morale and let them know that they are appreciated.

 

Recognise

You may have a lot of things going on but it only takes a second to say ‘Good Job’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Well Done’, or ‘Keep it up’. Say it with all sincerity. It sounds simple but it has a psychological impact on your employees. In fact, start this habit with the cleaners and watch them smile while they do their job. You don’t need to be a boss to do this. How often do we say these words to our copier guy or the coffee lady or the cleaner aunty? Buy them drinks or food once in a while. Share the stuff (like hampers, stationeries, planners, nice accessories) that you get all the time, with them or your co-workers. These are really just simple acts of kindness and they can be contagious.

 

Listen

This is something only good leaders do. If you remember the difference between a boss and leader, listening is second nature to natural leaders. However, a listener can listen passively so its important to position yourself as good and active listener who is always willing to hear from your employees. It may be overwhelming to dedicate time for everyone so if you run a huge team or organisation, train your head of departments to be good listeners and get an overall picture from them. It creates a good and open environment at work and allows your staff to believe that their opinions and views matter.

 

Physical office

Ensure that the physical outfit that you work in are ergonomic enough for your employees’ health. This includes providing proper work desk and storage space, proper lighting and maybe a little space for fresh air, to stretch or take a short break if you can spare them. Employees spend a good 8 to 10 hours at the office, if they are office bound, so a healthy environment is necessary to calm those high tension nerves down. The sort of paint, plant and lights in the office all have some kind of psychology behind it. Green for example is said spark creativity while blue and certain shades of purple have a calming effect. Cooler lighting is believed to assist with reading and processing of documents while natural light is seen as a boost to the eye keeping you awake and active. Don’t believe us? Look it up.