Employee motivation - Unlocking The Secret

Successful managers knows how important employee motivation is to the success of a business. Although everyone is motivated by different needs, most people will tell you that two of the most important things they look for in a company are mutual respect and personal involvement. When workers feel good about themselves, the work they do, and the company they work for, it is much easier to gain their cooperation.

When you have a problem with low employee motivation and/or productivity, it is important to search for the reason. For instance, one employee may feel underpaid for the work they are required to do. Another may want more recognition or interaction with other people. Still another may be bored with their day-to-day tasks. Simply raising your employee's pay or giving them a promotion may not be the answer. And what if you don't have the extra money to increase your employee's pay? What is the answer then?

Below are some employee motivation tactics:

• Involve employees in decision-making process. Give employees a share in decision making. If not deciding what is to be done, then how it is to be done, or when or in what way, by whom. Let their "share" increase over time.
  Be aware of the morale level of your employees. Be sensitive to changes in morale. Know when and why it goes up or down.
• Keep employees informed. Keep employees informed about changes that can directly affect them such as policy changes, procedure or rule changes, product information changes, and performance changes.
  Maintain an open-door policy. Be approachable, available, and interested, not distant.
• Be sure to listen. Always listen to and try to understand what employees are communicating.
• Develop a caring attitude. A good manager trains, develops, counsels, guides, and supports her employees.
• Always treat your employees with respect. Be thoughtful and considerate of the person you are dealing with.
• Ask for suggestions. Be sure to invite suggestions and new ideas from employees concerning work. Be willing to put good ideas into action by making changes.
• Give "constructive" criticism. An effective manager gives constructive criticism and never makes personal attacks.
• Maintain high standards. By involving employees in establishing high standards of performance, you will build their pride and self-confidence.
• Recognise your employees. Give appropriate praise and recognition for a job well done.
• Outline job responsibilities. Make certain employees know exactly what is expected of them and how their performance will be evaluated.