As a HR manager I will take the following actions to
change the
organization climate for motivation and performance
1. Employee Motivation By
Building Satisfaction
In their book "The Service Profit Chain," James
Heskett, W. Earl Sasser, and Leonard Schlesinger make a compelling case that
regardless your business, the only way to generate sustained profits is to
build a work environment that attracts, focuses, and keeps talented employees.
In other words, they have to be motivated to show up, get committed and perform
at a level of excellence.
Employee motivation
as it relates to employees satisfaction is vitally important. And, it goes way
beyond just a "happier workforce." Why?
Because there is an undeniable link between satisfied, motivated employees, and
satisfied customers. In other words, focus on creating satisfied employees,
focus on employee motivation, and those motivated, satisfied employees will
take care of your customers.
2. Employee Motivation
Through Genuine Appreciation
At times, managers
unknowingly sabotage employee motivation by failing to
recognize the positive behaviors and achievements of their employees. As a
result, employees don't know whether or not they are doing a good job.
I recently had an employee of an organization tell me,
"The only time we ever hear anything from management is when we do
something wrong!"
Fortunately, savvy managers can improve employee motivation by rewarding
employees with personal attention. This can include a pat on the back, a
hand-written note, or a quick comment in the hall.
When showing appreciation, be specific. Instead of just
saying, "We really are grateful for the good job you do around here,"
the approach might be, "I really appreciate how you handled the Franklin
Industries account last week when we had to get their rush order out late
Friday afternoon. Your effort really made a difference."
By being specific, the employer comes across as much more
sincere, and the employee realizes their actions are truly being watched. And,
a highly level of employee motivation is the natural result.
3. Employee Motivation
Through Recognition
Many
people will do for recognition what they will not do for money. And, this is the manager's secret weapon for
employee motivation. Some people are motivated by the
opportunity to get their name on the wall, receive a trophy at an annual
banquet, or see their name in the company newsletter. It gives them an
"emotional payoff" for their actions.
Look for ways to increase employee motivation by recognizing excellence in the
workplace. Ring a bell every time an individual or team hits the production
target. Put up posters with the photographs of team members who have had the
most days without accidents. Give out awards for attendance records. Just do
something. It is so inexpensive, yet highly effective in your efforts of
employee motivation.
4. Employee Motivation
Through Inspiration
Inspiration
comes from leadership. This form of employee motivation includes the company's
mission, purpose and goals. People want to be part of an organization that is
going somewhere, that stands for something, and that provides a meaningful
service to the marketplace.
If you want to lead an inspired, mission-guided organization, follow these
steps and watch employee motivation improve dramatically.
- Have a clear mission - in other words,
know where you are going.
- Be excited and passionate about your
mission. After all, if you don't get excited, they won't either.
- Be able to communicate the mission, it's
value to the marketplace. In other words, why it's worthwhile.
- Make sure everyone in the organization
understands and can communicate the mission.
- Be sure employees understand how they
fit into the process of fulfilling the organization's mission.
- Make the connection between the mission
and the individual values and goals of your employees.
- Keep your mission in front of everyone
in the organization.
5. Employee Motivation
Through Compensation
Some
employees are motivated by money. In fact, most are motivated by money; at
least for their basic needs. Employee motivation through compensation can come
in the form of raises, performance bonuses, commissions, profit sharing, or any
number of "extra benefits" like, automobiles, vacations, or other
tangible items purchased and used as rewards.
