Employee Motivation Strategies - 8 Things to Keep in Mind

When you have a team of motivated employees, you can be sure you will achieve every goal your company proposes. But how can you keep your employees motivated? Here's the big question.

At first glance, you might think that the only thing that motivates your employees is their pay, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the article "What Motivates Employees to Go the Extra Mile?" by Psychology Today, we find that the great motivators for them are peer motivation, camaraderie (20%), intrinsic desire for a good job (17%), and Feeling encouraged and recognized (13%).

We found something more interesting in a study of 2,000 UK employees, carried out Censuswide in October 2018, which discovered that those who are least motivated workers are most likely to say they find comfort in their salary (41%), followed by good working relationships (37%) and having a purpose (21%). 

As you are reading, you may notice that your team's vital energy may be low, and let us confirm that it isn't just your company's case: there is a low motivation pandemic around the world. Team Stage statistics demonstrate that only 15% of employees worldwide feel engaged and that 81% are considering quitting their jobs for better offers. While firms with engaged employees were 43% more productive, those with engaged employees can cost companies up to $550 billion a year, which is not an option for you as a manager.

Fortunately, Employee Motivation Strategies are the optimal solution to keep your business running smoothly, which is why in this article, we will share with you 8 things you need to know to manage the productivity of your employees.

However, before jumping into the juicier information, we must first respond.

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Why are Employee Motivation Strategies Important?

Motivation is an energy that gives us the power to perform any task with optimism and effort, which is why promoting it is essential if you are the manager.

An employee who is motivated and happy with his job will not look around for a better place; statistics show that motivation reduces absenteeism by 41% and that an inspired worker is 87% less likely to resign.

Even so, we must eliminate this toxic self-help idea that we can always be motivated since humans aren't like this. Before we understand all you need to know about employee motivation strategies, understand that you shouldn't impose a "positively toxic" policy where the workplace looks like a productivity factory on steroids. This habit is unhealthy for the company, much less for the employees.

The big wake-up call is when you see that a worker or a team is having problems quite often, and that is where you must analyze the problem to put them back on track. In this way, in the foreground, two things determine the performance of your team, and these are the types of employee motivation:

• Intrinsic – personal challenges, job satisfaction, self-fulfillment
• Extrinsic – physical rewards, salary, bonuses, gifts

These factors depend to a large extent on the company and your work as a manager, and that is why you must pay attention to them to continue promoting the impulses indicated for all of them.

Now, outside of work, your employees also have an inner world, or, more specifically, a life, and the things that can happen in it - for better or worse - can influence their motivation. Read this complete guide on digital marketing funnel and then choose the right digital marketing channel for your business.

That is why as a manager, you should also have a relationship with your employees, not see them as just employees, and that's it since these relationships give you a global picture of what is happening, and you can better understand how to handle any specific case.

Now that you know this, let's move on to evaluate all that we must consider about employee motivation strategies.

1. Clear Goals Provide Meaning.

A job without established goals is the same as a treasure map without an X marking the destination. There is no emotion or motivation in performing this adventure.

When you give a specific goal to an employee or a team, you grant "meaning" to their effort, that is, a reason to work hard.

This goal must be connected to the great mission of the company in order also to generate affection for the company's entire mission and, thus, give a sense of belonging to all those involved in said project.

Goals are so important that 55% of employees said they were more motivated when they felt their work was valuable, and even a third of them were willing to work extra hours to achieve it.

2. It is Crucial to Recognize Achievements.

You have to reward your employees after an outstanding achievement so they will be more motivated for future challenges.

When dealing with the achievements of your employees, both individually and as a team, you can't be that typical father figure who is indifferent to his son's significant accomplishments and, instead of rewarding him for his efforts, emphasizes that this is his duty and that he should not ask for more than what they already have. This behavior generates frustration in anyone, which is why when the achievements merit it, you reward them for it. Organizations with reward and recognition programs have 14% better employee engagement, making them feel recognized.

Recognition for a good job must go hand in hand with the economic capacity of your company so they feel that it is worthwhile to be in a position that gives them significant benefits. These rewards can range from extra bonuses - although salary is not the biggest motivator, it is still of the utmost importance - to a trip to the beach or an activity that is fun for everyone. Check these Amazon FBA tips to grow your business and see how optimising your Amazon listing could help you grow. 

3. Promote Positive Competition.

Competitiveness moves motivation to another level; we see it in sports and the entertainment industry.

Now, when we talk about promoting competitiveness, we are not talking about the toxic one that makes the fans of Barcelona and Real Madrid come into conflict. We are talking about a healthy competitiveness that gives team spirit and facing challenges positively.

You can promote this competitiveness in recognitions such as employee of the month or the most outstanding team. The idea is that you present it appropriately so there are no competitive rough edges between people. In this case, it is better that you do not give extra prizes to these employees, but if it remains in their subconscious, reaching this 1st place can present more excellent benefits in the long run.

4. Offer a Manageable Work-Life Balance.

The best type of manager is one who understands the non-work needs of their employees, the one who sees them not just as employees but as people with lives apart.

Even you as a manager have to deal with everyday life things like your family, children, partner and even your mental health, and that is why you should avoid the workaholic lifestyle so that you can perform better in your work.

You have to provide your employees with that balance between giving everything for their work and enjoying vacations (paid if possible) or some days off leave for special situations such as the birth of a son, or health problems, among others.

5. Provide some Flexibility and Autonomy to your Workers.

You see, the 8-hour office work model is almost outdated today, and if you are even working with younger generations like millennials or generation z, you will realize that most hate office work and have become freelancers working from home.

Seeing this trend, you cannot be anchored to the work model of the industrial revolution just because it is what you are used to. It happens a lot that employees go to work just to meet the schedule and that they can finish their work efficiently in fewer working hours. Forcing them to be in the office just to meet the hours can lower their productivity since by not getting something else to do, they may feel that they are losing their productive time, or even leisure time, inside the office.

Now, if you are a faithful believer in office work, and you are not willing to change to a remote modality, we understand you, but we are not saying that you leave the office; we are recommending that you give them some flexibility to provide them with that autonomy that they need.

Your job at the end of the day is for them to do their job effectively, and if they do it properly, you can give them that flexibility to deal with other personal activities. This flow of work gives the office freshness and makes it feel more comfortable, unlike in a jail where you must comply with specific rules at all costs. Get the balance between the necessary regulations and requirements and the autonomy so that the objectives are met in the indicated way, with the freedom they need. Read this guide on E-commerce supply chain and voice search optimization.

6. Contribute to their Professional Growth.

Often, workers leave the company when they feel there is nothing new to learn or cannot reach a higher rung on the professional ladder.

That is why, to keep them with you, you must allow them to learn more, expand their skills, and opt for increasingly important positions within the company.

In the training section, this is something in which both benefit, since you give the employee more tools to improve their professional resume, and on the other hand, they can impart that knowledge within the company.

On the other hand, if your company continues to grow thanks to your good administration as a manager and your employees' motivation, you should open the door to those who have done an excellent job and offer them higher options within the company'scompany's job ladder.

7. Bring in Food Based Benefits

It may seem curious to you that this is among the things that promote your employees' motivation, but think about it: when you are hungry, you cannot be motivated. In this way, if in your workplace there is the possibility of including a snack bar or even offering food as a perk, you will see how motivation can grow even more since a mid-day snack can restore energy to anyone. To add more to this subject, we want to share some statistics we found In this article from Smart Search Recruitment food-based benefits in the workplace:

• 57% of employees feel more appreciated when employers offer food-based perks.
• 38% of employees rate their companies as "Best Places to Work" due to food-based bonuses.
• 50% of employees said that they would experience greater satisfaction with employers that offer food-based perks.

But this isn'tisn't it, as research shows that access to free food in the office can increase employee happiness by 11%, and also, a Zero Carter survey shows that 60% of employees rank meals and snacks in the top three office perks, food is an essential part of many workplace cultures. 

8. Provide Meaningful Feedback.

You should know that your opinion as a manager is essential for your team since you are the leader that all of them follow, and that is why it is necessary that you be honest with them about their performance.

For this, it is good that you periodically have meetings with them, either in a group or separately, where you can give them feedback on what they are doing and, thus, congratulate what they have done well and correct - not reproach - all they can improve.

This is important so that you can get to know them all and thus generate a close relationship with them, developing familiarity on both sides.

Your employees need you to know them a little beyond the aspect of work to feel that they belong to the group and are not employees without an identity, and that's it.

We understand that giving feedback can be complicated at times, but we are sharing this article in which we mention the 11 mistakes you should avoid when giving feedback.

Final Thoughts.

We know that it may sound very cliché, but when you manage your entire team to stay motivated, and everybody works in harmony, you can say the most that your company, more than a team, is a family.

We can conclude that focusing on the well-being of our employees will generate high benefits for the company since if we look back, it is the employees and the manager who bear the weight of the company on their shoulders, and that is why it is essential to know management strategies so that the operation can be completely improved.

At Codedesign, we have years of experience helping businesses reach their most significant potential, and we have all the knowledge to boost your company's digital marketing. If you want help to promote any of these aspects, contact our team of professionals to guide you in your professional development. Contact us now!

FAQS - Frequently Asked Questions

Why is employee motivation crucial for business success?

Employee motivation is crucial for business success because it directly influences productivity, quality of work, and innovation. Motivated employees are more likely to put in the effort required to achieve high standards of performance, go beyond their job requirements, and contribute creatively to the organization's goals. They are also more engaged, which reduces turnover rates and associated costs. For instance, a motivated team can drive a company like Codedesign to outperform competitors by continuously innovating and improving customer service, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and business growth.

What are the main types of employee motivation?

The main types of employee motivation include intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual, driven by personal satisfaction, interest in the work, and the desire for self-improvement or accomplishment. For example, an employee might feel intrinsically motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is driven by external factors such as salary, bonuses, recognition, and job security. Both types of motivation play essential roles in influencing employee behavior and performance.

How do clear goals improve employee motivation?

Clear goals improve employee motivation by providing a sense of direction and purpose. When employees understand what is expected of them and how their work contributes to the larger objectives of the organization, they are more likely to feel valued and part of a team effort. Clear goals also offer a measurable standard for success, enabling employees to track their progress and experience a sense of achievement upon meeting their targets. This sense of accomplishment is a powerful motivator, encouraging further engagement and effort.

What role does recognizing achievements play in motivating employees?

Recognizing achievements plays a pivotal role in motivating employees by validating their efforts and contributions. Acknowledgment from management and peers makes employees feel appreciated and valued, boosting their self-esteem and satisfaction with their job. This recognition can take many forms, from verbal praise during meetings to formal awards or bonuses. When employees feel that their hard work is noticed and appreciated, they are more likely to continue performing at a high level and remain loyal to the company.

Can positive competition among employees enhance motivation?

Positive competition among employees can enhance motivation by encouraging individuals to strive for excellence while fostering a sense of camaraderie and team spirit. When structured healthily, competition can stimulate creativity, productivity, and improvement, as employees push themselves and each other to achieve better results. However, it's essential to ensure that the competitive environment remains supportive and does not lead to undue stress or conflict. Celebrating collective achievements as well as individual successes can help maintain a positive and motivating atmosphere.

How does offering a work-life balance benefit employee motivation?

Offering a work-life balance benefits employee motivation by reducing burnout and stress, thereby increasing overall job satisfaction and commitment to the organization. Employees who feel they can manage their professional and personal lives effectively are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal. A healthy work-life balance demonstrates that the company values its employees' well-being, which in turn, motivates employees to contribute their best to the organization, knowing their needs and health are respected and supported.

What impact does providing flexibility and autonomy have on employee motivation?

Providing flexibility and autonomy has a significant positive impact on employee motivation. Flexibility in terms of work hours and location can help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively, leading to increased satisfaction and reduced stress. Autonomy, or the freedom to make decisions about one's work, fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Employees who feel empowered by autonomy are more engaged, creative, and motivated to exceed expectations, as they feel their contributions directly impact the success of the organization.

How can professional growth opportunities motivate employees?

Professional growth opportunities motivate employees by showing them a clear pathway for advancement within the organization. This can include training programs, mentorship, opportunities for new projects, and clear career progression paths. Employees who see a future for themselves in the company are more likely to be motivated to invest their time and energy into their work, aiming to develop the skills and experience necessary to advance. This motivation not only benefits the individual's career but also enhances the organization's talent pool and competitiveness.

Why are food-based benefits effective in improving motivation?

Food-based benefits are effective in improving motivation because they cater to a basic need while fostering a sense of belonging and community among employees. Offering free meals, snacks, or coffee breaks can improve morale and provide moments of relaxation and socialization, which can boost energy levels and productivity. Such benefits also convey to employees that the company cares about their well-being and comfort, contributing to a positive and engaging work environment.

How important is meaningful feedback for employee motivation?

Meaningful feedback is crucial for employee motivation as it helps individuals understand their performance in relation to the organization's expectations. Constructive and regular feedback provides guidance for improvement, acknowledges achievements, and reinforces positive behavior. When employees know what they are doing well and where they can improve, they are more likely to feel valued and understood, which fosters a culture of continuous development and motivation to achieve their best.

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