Top Ten Ways To Motivate Today’s Employees

Today’s employees may not need a pay raise as much as they need a personal thanks from their manager for a job well done. Following, in priority order, is the top-ten things to do to motivate today’s employees.

• Personally thank employees for doing a good job-one on one-verbally, in writing or both. Do it in a timely manner, often and sincerely.
• Be willing to take the time to meet with and listen to employees-as much as they need or want.
• Provide specific feedback about performance of the person, the department and the organization.
• Strive to create a work environment that is open, trusting and fun. Encourage new ideas and initiative.
• Provide information about how the company makes and loses money, upcoming products, strategies for competing in the marketplace and how the person fits in with the overall plan.
• Involve employees in decisions, especially when those decisions affect them.
• Provide employees with a sense of ownership in their work and the work environment.
• Recognize, reward and promote people based on their performance. Deal with low and marginal performers so they either improve or leave.
• Give people a chance to grow and learn new skills. Show them how you can help them meet their goals within the context of meeting the organization’s goals. Create a partnership with each employee.
• Celebrate successes-of the company, of the department and of individuals in it. Take time for team- and morale-building meetings and activities.