In order to do the job properly and excel at it, employees need to first care about it. If they feel detached from the work they are performing, it is likely that they would try to get by without giving in their hundred percent.
This negatively impacts the company the employee works for and hinders the growth of the individuals themselves.
So how can you tackle this lack of motivation and bring out the best in all your employees?
The answer lies in understanding them both individually, acknowledging their needs and driving forces, collectively as well by making them feel like a part of a more significant whole by sharing common goals and ideals.
The initial step is to find out their personalities, what motivates them, and what lights a fire in them. The best way for this is to conduct frequent interactive sessions and casual talks between the employees and their supervisors.
Not all people have the same driving forces, so trying to excite someone with something that does not intrigue them would simply be unproductive.
There are two motivational factors: intrinsic, things that motivate them from within, and extrinsic, outside consequences that motivate them.
Intrinsic Motivation:
In the case of intrinsic motivators, an ambitious person would be motivated and excited about a new project by learning the new possibilities it would open and the benefits it would bring.
In contrast, a person who seeks stability and security would instead want to maintain and protect what is already there rather than looking into the new openings and opportunities.
So in order to motivate a more cautious person and get them interested in that new project, you would instead point out the disruptions that would happen if this project is not worked on or put into action.
There are, of course, other intrinsic motivational factors at work, such as the appeal of the job for the individual, the level of interest in the work subject, and the affinity and connectivity to work and work environment.
Such a factor includes their will to challenge themselves and surpass their colleagues, superiors that act as the role models they aspire for, and the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment they get from completing their work.
Although intrinsic motivation is long-lasting and self-satisfactory, it is not usually properly cultivated or nourished in this society that is so dependent on outward and superficial gratifications.
Not nurturing the interests of children and adolescents into productive career paths can also lead to a steep decline in intrinsic motivation and would negatively impact their future careers if they cannot relate to them.
Extrinsic Motivation:
Similar to intrinsic motivations, extrinsic motivations also vary from person to person, although they can be divided into broader categories, useful for the formulation of employee wellness plans.
Extrinsic motivators can be in the form of monetary bonuses on appreciable achievements, and they can also be as simple as some words of praise on a work in progress or a job well done.
Having their opinion acknowledged and their work appreciated can really boost self-esteem and make them more eager to work and outperform themselves.
It also helps them become more comfortable with the work environment and feel like an integral part of it, which perks their sense of duty and responsibility.
Another vital part of extrinsic motivation is to dispense it regularly rather than annual or monthly since most extrinsic incentives are more short-lived than intrinsic motivations.
They can be, for example, in the form of early leaves, small bonuses, or even a sideboard with anonymous interchangeable notes appreciating someone else’s work or any other good act.
If a company invests heavily in its employee’s well-being, they, in turn, would also feel obliged to do their own best to show their gratitude and appreciation.
It would garner a more positive response, and the employees would be less likely to walk out in discontentment.
Improving Employee Well-being:
When having the employees’ well-being in mind, it is essential to discuss it with them as well and ask for their suggestions so that you can become more aware of the issues that you need to tackle and the betterments that can be brought to your company’s current state.
However, there are some essential points that you should always keep in mind.
Firstly, it is crucial to provide the employees the physical environment they need to prosper and grow. This includes their mental well-being that is, by ensuring that they are surrounded by people of positive mindsets and removing any toxic people who may drag the team down. Physical well-being is also crucial and can be provided by allowing sufficient breaks and opportunities for physical activity and relaxation, with sports and leisure facilities.
Secondly, it is essential to remember that an employee’s work should not just be judged by the time they put in but rather by the work they get done. As long as they are providing the required output, they should have flexibility in their work schedules. This would make them more appreciative of the company’s efforts and motivate them to finish their work ahead of time rather than dragging it out to the last minute.
Thirdly, it is important to invest in your team by educating them more. This can be done in the form of seminar visits, workshops that would help them interact with people from similar fields, or even videos or documents that could be helpful to them.
Lastly, it is crucial to involve your employees in your company’s vision so they can better empathise with its goals and objectives. It is also helpful to create a uniform and interactive work culture that everyone is both aware of and follows.
Having shared values and standards can help people feel more secure and connected, resulting in a more integrated work environment.
In essence, whether or not you put your workforce’s well-being as a top priority can make or break your company.
Ilona Drob
Co-founder of BeThriving Wellness
BeThriving Wellness is passionate about providing companies with non-invasive, holistic workplace wellness solutions that inspire teams and individuals to succeed even during the most challenging times.
Our virtual workplace wellness programs aim to bring your employees together, boost their motivation, health, productivity and support them as they deal with isolation and daily work life balance struggles.
Contact us today to discuss and design a wellness program tailored towards your employee’s needs and your company’s budget!
Find out more about our programmes
www.bethriving.co.uk
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