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Human resource experts say having motivated workers is crucial to the success of a company and good corporate identity. SIMON EJEMBI writes on simple ways business owners and managers can keep their workers happy.
A clearly defined vision
Experts say all managers and employers should ensure that they have a clearly defined vision. They explain that the vision will in turn serve as a guide to employees, providing them with a sense of direction. Failure to have a clearly defined vision can leave employees confused and less motivated. This is because they have no sense of direction – no goal or objective. Also, experts say it is not enough that you understand your vision or have it locked up somewhere in your mind; it is better to write it down and ensure that it is clear and concise.
The style managers and entrepreneurs adopt in communicating with their workers plays a role in the level of motivation the workers will have, according to experts. They say communicating regularly with the workers will not only keep them in tune with their obligations, it will also keep them motivated. So, instead of thinking bonuses all the time when it comes to motivating staff, experts say entrepreneurs should consider communicating with their employees more often. This, they explain, will make them feel valued, which in turn is likely to make them put in better performance. Do you ever make out time to communicate with your employees or are you too busy for them? To enhance communication, managers can schedule regular meetings, consider sending out newsletters, among other things.
Training programmes
Training programmes are another means through which managers can keep their workers motivated. Experts say this is especially so for companies in rapidly changing sectors of the society. This is because many workers may have come to the stage where they think there is nothing more to learn when the reality is that most of their skills are no longer relevant. By organising trainings for such employees, they will get to realise how the industry has change and the importance of acquiring new skills. So, managers who want their workers to stay motivated and to keep their companies in good shape and make it easily adaptable to change, training is vital.
Team-building activities
Some experts have argued that the importance of team spirit or recruiting team players is exaggerated. However, many believe it is very important. Managers who have had series of in-fighting among workers can attest to the negative effects it has on productivity. To keep workers on the same page and motivated, business owners are advised to ensure that there is some form of team building activity now and then; not only that, they are advised to participate. For example if the company regularly holds an end-of-the-year party, the ‘boss’ can motivate staff by showing up – even if only for a while. According to experts, this is a very reliable approach.
Engage employees
An employee who is never engaged is likely to start feeling disconnected, unimportant or undervalued. This is why experts say it is important for managers to find way to keep all their employees engaged. A way of achieving this, according to them is to involve the in planning and decision making. Instead of calling the shots all the time or having to sign every responsibility, employers are advised to delegate responsibilities across board and to consult employees now and then. This will be easier for an employer that makes time for workers, not one who is inaccessible. According to experts, when employees feel responsible for a decision or plan, they will be motivated to ensure that the plan is successfully executed.
Keep it fair
How do you treat your employees? Are they all treated fairly, equally? Sometimes the work place can be sentimental and hugely political. People in such work environment often say things like, “There is too much politics in my office.” When it is actually that way, it is hard to keep workers motivated. This is because they do not believe decisions are made based on sentiments rather than merit. And the criteria for decision-making are not transparent or fixed with rules failing to apply to everyone. Experts stress that managers, who want to succeed, have to be able to rise above sentiments and treat all workers fairly. What applies to one staff, should apply to the other under the same circumstances.
Just as it is true that businesses are established to make profit, it is also true that workers are not magicians and are incapable of functioning under certain conditions. It is therefore important that they are giving the right tools and, where necessary, training, support and understanding. Employers who are completely detached from their employees may get it wrong when it comes to this. Even if you rose through the ranks yourself before becoming the boss or setting up your own business, it is important to know that the circumstance may have changed.
Show some respect
Experts say it is important for employers to show employees that they care and to treat them with respect. It is true that you are the boss, but that does not mean you can never be wrong. And when you are wrong or you make a mistake, there is no harm in admitting that. According to experts, once employees know that the boss cares about them, they will be more willing to do their best and take additional responsibilities now and then.
Maintain your style
Once you have found the right balance and you are satisfied with the level of motivation among your workers, it is advised that you stick to the plan, making changes only when a review shows the approach has become ineffective. Constantly making changes may only make your leadership style confusing and unpredictable which is likely to undo whatever success you recorded.
Make work fun
In considering all these tips, it is important to also think of how you can make the workplace fun. Once your employees consider work to be fun, then you have little to worry about as they will show up at work as regularly as possible and their level of productivity will be higher. No matter the nature of business you are into, experts say it can be enjoyable. Apart from boosting motivation and productivity, having a work environment that is fun, can help promote your company’s corporate image and make it and its products or services more attractive.
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