Motivated employees, repeated research shows, are the key to an effective organization. They work harder, smarter and more productively; apply more of themselves to a particular job, persevere stronger through tough odds, exhibit more passion towards their job and are more adamant about meeting goals and pursuing targets. The key question then is how to transform a lukewarm workforce into an impassioned motivated one. Below the team at Bayt.com, the Middle East's #1 job site, offer some key pointers to up the motivation level:-
1. Start early The interviewing/onboarding/orientation stages are fertile ground to sow the seeds of motivation and passion for the company and role. Start early on indoctrinating new hires in the corporate work ethic and instilling in them enthusiasm and the passion and drive to excel and succeed.
2. Make sure the team understands the company’s vision, mission and values Employees need to feel their own roles and goals and actions are aligned with the organization overriding ones and understand the vital role they play in the big picture.
3. Understand what motivates your staff Different people are motivated by different things. Make an effort to understand through open dialogue, formal surveys and other methods what makes your employees tick whether it be financial rewards, prestige, social status, time off, job security, recognition, competition or any other criteria.
4. Understand the impediments to motivation Determine what is hindering or obstructing employees reaching their full motivation levels and try to address these obstacles to full employee engagement.
5. Involve the team in decision-making Create the conditions for personal growth and development by allowing employees leeway to occupy the limelight, handle complex projects and participate in the decision-making process.
6. Show respect Employees need to feel their own personal and professional integrity is not being compromised. Make sure the work environment encourages respect for the individual and values individual ideas, contributions, issues and concerns.
7. Demonstrate Trust Learn to delegate key responsibilities and to refrain from micro-managing the ensuing actions. Employees who feel trusted and empowered in this way are likelier to innovate and find more optimal methods of performance providing they are clear on the goal they are working towards.
8. Recognize and Reward Everyone needs to feel their hard work is not going unnoticed. Institute a formal framework for recognition and reward and complement that with regular informal meetings to give constructive feedback and show appreciation for work well done.
9. Train Bayt.com jobseeker polls have repeatedly shown that opportunities for long term career progression are the main reason professionals join and leave companies. Make sure you cater to the ambitions of motivated employees by allowing them a high-quality platform to train and develop their skills.
10. Demonstrate Active Listening Skills Employees need to feel their opinions matter, that they are consulted in key decisions, their voices are heard and taken seriously and that any grievances, issues and concerns are being addressed. Listening attentively and communicating openly and sincerely with employees both formally at key company milestones and informally through maintaining an open-door policy is critical to ensuring employee engagement and motivation. For more on staff motivation please visit the Bayt.com Career Center.
