Five ways to motivate staff on a budget
It’s a common misconception that the only thing that motivates employees is money; in fact, it’s only 28% according to a survey carried out by Brook Street Recruitment. The Survey found that 37% are motivated by job satisfaction and 16% by a challenge.
There are plenty of other ways to get your staff motivated while increasing productivity and your small business will reap the rewards. Here are 5 ways in which you can start motivating today:
Invest
A motivated team is one that feels valued and by investing time to help develop your employees you are investing in the future of your business.
No matter how big or small your business, you can ensure your staff remain satisfied by addressing their needs on a regular basis - do this by carrying out regular appraisals to highlight any training needs/staff issues.
Motivated staff will develop from this investment and also have a positive effect on staff retention.
Create an amazing culture
Creating a good atmosphere means having a positive attitude and making sure your team feel appreciated. As the owner of your small business, you will set the attitude within the team, mostly through your actions. If you say one thing and do another, you will soon be caught out.
Work should be a fun. A business that wants to keep staff motivated attempt to make work enjoyable as much as possible no matter how dull the tasks may be.
Encourage your team to take ownership of their actions by doing the same yourself. Lead by example, and gain their respect by giving it. Know your position in your Small business and show you appreciate the value of their roles.
Build your team
Team building in a small business is about getting to know each other and finding where your place is in the group. You can’t force it, but you can encourage it.
Identify a problem then set your team the challenge to fix it with a clear reward if they succeed- this could be a pint down the local, or whatever appeals to your team. Then sit back and watch your business become more efficient while your employees bond!
Recognise and reward good performance
Employees want respect, freedom and responsibility at work. All factors make a job rewarding and staff productive.
They also want to know when they are doing a good job and reap the benefits of it. Coaching and appraisals will help your team know where they stand, but don’t forget the reward.
Salary increases are one way of rewarding while driving performance, but there are other avenues to consider, this could be by way of an extra day’s holiday, a bottle of wine, or even a thank you card the recognition however big or small alone can be a powerful motivator.
Say thank you
Your small business probably wouldn’t exist without your employees. It certainly wouldn’t thrive and grow.
Find ways to thank them for their contribution to your success. Even if it is just a quick ‘thanks for your work today’ at the close of play each day - it will not go unnoticed.
Related articles:
Managing Absence in Small Businesses
6 tips for effective people management
Making your office a happier environment
