How To Motivate Employees: 12 Employee Motivation Ideas For Immediate Results

How to motivate employees is a frequently asked question. Articles on employee motivation are a great place for techniques, ideas and inspired solutions. Understanding this article will provide you with quick
ways for motivation at work.
Creating Motivation in the workplace
Every leader and organization realizes the importance of a positive workplace
environment. Developing a good workplace culture will not happen over night, it will
take some time. There is no exact science to estimate how long the it will take to improve motivation for employees. The results of using good employee motivation techniques will outwiegh the length of time.
Expectations of positive employee motivation
- Inspired workers
- Focused on same goals
- Increased productivity
- Increased desire for advancement
Short term vs. Long term effects
It's important to note that the following strategies will only provide short term
effects. They are though a great way to get the ball rolling to increase employee
motivation over time. These ideas will lay the ground work and prime your employees
for sustainable motivation. This by far sould be yours and your companies number one goal and objective.
The answer to the frequently asked question of how to motivate employees has two
parts. First use short term techniques to warm up your employees. Then move on to putting bigger programs in place for long term effects. An example of this would be
an recognition program.
One last word on short term and long term effects. Short term techniques and ideas
work and should be used at every opportunity. Even if a long term motivation plan
doesn't exist. They are great ways to inject some short bursts of excitement into the workplace. Just keep in mind that they will be less and less effective over time.
This is why it is so important to use them in conjunction with long term programs.
#1 Merrit Increases
Merit increases are a simple pay increase that is awarded to an employee who has
excelled in performance and productivity. Many companies allow this type of pay of
merit award but with restrictions regarding timeframes and limits. They also may require you to do a an employee performance review. Smaller companies that have less
restrictions benefit well using this technque.
#2 Recogniton
Using recognition has always been a solid answer to how to motivate employees. Its
all about appreciating your staff and letting them know that they are doing good. Make sure that others hear what you are saying. Use meetings, hallways and even the lunch room as possible platforms. This idea is powerful, becasue we all like positive
feedback.
#3 Talk to employees about career plans
Many employees would like to advance their career, but for some reason don't inquire about it. Leaders can still motivate employees that they feel are promotable.
The simple conversation alone will improve their self esteem and confidence. They may even surprise you with increased performance. The point here is don't wait for
them to come to you, go after them and inspire.
#4 Thank you notes
Thank you notes a handwritten personal sentiments that are effective. I have heard
of employees holding on to thak you notes for self motivating purposes. Notes can be written on paychecks or by leaving a not on an employees desk.
Try Team Building Games
Fun team building games are a highly effective way to solve your problems of how to motivate employees. These ideas will inspire and motivate your staff. There are some really simple ones that you can create quickly with no cost. Your investment may cost you a few hours. This short article will help get you started in a snap.
#5 Movie passes
This type of award is similar to a merit increase that was mentioned above. This idea is way to work around restrictions of merit increases. Movie passes fall under
the heading with gift cards, so your choices are unlimited.
#6 Coffee
This one my be the oldest trick in the book of how to motivate employees. Most offices
have some sort of coffee making capabilites. Surprise the staff, take a coffee order
and pick it up or schedule it for the next morning.
#7 Lunch
Schedule a potluck or provide lunch for your staff. Providing lunches impress,
but the scheduled luncheons provide something to look forward to. Ask the staff for
suggestions for an added touch.
#8 Birthday acknowledgement
There is something about birthdays and the workplace that go hand in hand. It's
a good way to break up the day with a little fun. Many managers pick up the cost
themselfs. While others arrange a schedule for the year. One employee is responsible
for another employees birthday.
#9 Word of the day
You can really have fun with this one. Have your staff come up with some bizare
words. Designate times throughout the day to use the specific word. If you want to
really have some fun turn the word into a chant.
#10 Make time for employees
Another way of how to motivate employees is just make time for your staff. Listen
to what they have to say. Learn a little about them and show them that you are
interested. Spending a little time will provide employees the sense that they are
more than just a number.
#11 Inspirational stories
There are many stories that you can find to talk about. Movies, books and even
current events. What ever story you choose, try to make it realatable.
#12 Inspirational sayings
Use these simple sayings throughout the day, but don't over do it.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
Aristotle
"Great spirits have always encountered
violent opposition from mediocre minds"
Albert Einstein
Inspirational sayings can be found in motivational posters that you could hang
around the office. These poster are most effective in sales types of offices. The main reason for there success is that they get you to think and focus on the task.
Managing Stress in the workplace and how to motivate employees goes hand and hand. Being able to handle stress will improve your ability to motivate workers. Stress can have a negative effect on employees. Read this article and learn more on how to handlestress in the workplace.
The above 12 quick ways of how to motivate employees are extremely effective.
The best practice is to use them in conjunction with a long term employee motivaton
program for optimal results. For more information on building long lasting motivation in the workplace. Then checkout this
article about how to create succesful motivation in the workplace.
Other Related Employee Motivation Articles
How To Create Successful Motivation In The Workplace<
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Importance of Motivation: Why It's Critical For The Workplace And Everyday Life
10 Employee Motivation Techniques That Will pump
Up Your Employees:
Employee Motivation Ideas: The First Step
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