1. Compliments
An easy tip that you can use right away is to give compliments. After all, we feel more appreciated when we get a compliment once in a while. Compliment your employees once in a while, even on small victories, but keep it sincere.
2. Give confidence
Employee motivation is largely related to the confidence that employees have in themselves. By giving employees responsibility over their own department or set of tasks, you indicate confidence in their ability. It is also important to let them know from time to time that things are going well, or to make adjustments when they are not.
Ideally, you want to guide your employees without taking away their responsibility or self-determination. In addition, let your employees know that it is okay to make mistakes, that you hope they will learn from them and that you are sure that they will succeed if they continue to do their best.
3. Set sharp but achievable goals
When we have to perform at the edge of our abilities we get the most out of ourselves. So make sure each employee is working toward a goal that is not too easy, but also not unachievable. When we have to work hard to achieve a goal that is achievable, we like to go the extra mile.
It is precisely when a goal is unachievable that employees get a fear of failure that makes them less committed, besides you don’t want someone to work themselves into burnout just to reach an unachievable goal. Goals that are too easy, on the other hand, make employees feel inadequately challenged.
4. Involve employees in decisions
You sometimes hear, “People used to work to survive.” Today, that’s different. Working for money is becoming less and less important in today’s generation. Employees increasingly want to have a say in the decisions within a company, or the organization of their work. Millennials in particular value this.
For many companies, it is exciting to give employees this decision-making power, but you can also start small, such as when setting up a new cafeteria or buying office furniture….
5. Giving good feedback
Giving regular feedback is hugely important. Giving feedback keeps your colleagues on their toes and ensures that your staff can constantly improve. Still, it is a sensitive issue. Although feedback is usually well-meaning, it can still be taken (or brought) the wrong way.
A good tip you can use: Start with something positive and then bring the feedback as a suggestion. In addition, make sure you always respect people. After all, damaging someone’s self-confidence is the last thing you want.
“Hey… I see you’re working hard but I think you could save a lot of time by…”
6. Set an example
As a manager, you have an important role within your organization. Make sure you lead by example. If you are just the joker all day or always go home on time, how can your employees take their own work seriously?
Does an employee make a mistake? Then make sure you are part of the solution, and your colleagues will do the same for you.
7. Communicate growth opportunities
We like to see an upward curve in our work. It makes us feel that we are doing a good job, not standing still but making progress and that our efforts are appreciated. Getting promoted is an important motivator for many employees.
Of course, promotion must first be earned. That can’t be short term, but communicate from time to time about opportunities for advancement within your team or company. This gives many employees a dot on the horizon to work toward.
8. Do something extra
Work hard, play hard. You’ve probably heard it before. This may feel cliché and it doesn’t have to be a “Wolf of Wall Street atmosphere” within your company, but a little something extra on occasion is appreciated by everyone. For example, go out to dinner with your team after weeks of hard work or give something extra during the holidays to celebrate your shared success.
9. Keep employees involved with the latest updates
Let your employees know what you are doing as an organization. Share successes such as new deals and assignments, or let them know what management is currently working on. By sharing regular updates, you keep your employees involved, make sure everyone is on the same page and create support for change.
Are you curious as to how best to go about this? Bundeling allows you to streamline the internal communication within your organization and keep your employees informed of the latest developments. Read more about Bundeling or request a free demo!
About Bundeling
Bundeling is the smart communication platform for every organization. Connect Smarter thanks to our app and stay in touch with your employees, stakeholders or community. With a Bundeling platform you bundle all communication flows in one fully customizable platform in your corporate identity.
