by Amon Karagara

Created on: April 29, 2010

Motivated employees generally perform better than unmotivated ones.  Managers should therefore strive to keep their employees as motivated as they can be.

Since people differ in terms of what motivates them, employee motivation can sometimes seem challenging. With the right skills and techniques however, it is possible. Here are some common ways to do so:

CREATE A FAVORABLE AND CONFORTABLE WORK PLACE. Employees work better in a favorable office environment. Be sure to provide enough office supplies, comfortable temperature settings, ample lighting, and desks, keyboards, mice, etc, that are ergonomic enough.

ASK FOR THEIR INPUT IN MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION’S GOALS. Employees feel great when they are consulted and know that their input is valuable to the organization. Plus, they will work more to achieve the goals that they personally set. So, consult them regularly for their input and you will see positive results in their work.

RECOGNIZE AND REWARD THE GOOD PERFORMERS. Identify those who do a great job and give them some kind of reward or incentive. This will motivate them to keep up the good work while also encouraging the poor performers to work harder.

CREATE SOME NON-WORK SESSIONS where you interact with everyone in an informal way. For instance, one hour every month where you get to meet in a conference room and just chit-chat about anything, over some snacks and soft drinks.

BE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK. If you enjoy what you do and show some degree of enthusiasm, other employees in the office will most likely follow suit. Seeing a manager getting passionate about his job is a big motivating factor.

COMMUNICATE. Effective communication is necessary everywhere and particularly in the office. Clearly state your expectations from each employee (their roles and responsibilities). Mention any changes as they occur. Create time to listen to every employee about their work and get ideas and suggestions from them.

COMPENSATE THEM WELL. A decent paycheck encourages most employees to work harder. Pay them what they are worth and you will keep them motivated to do even more.

SHOW THEM SOME RESPECT. Respect is important in the workplace. A manager who respects his employees will earn that respect back. In addition, they will perform better when they value the kind of respect you give them.

Remember, employees are a company's most important asset, so as a manager, you have to work hard to keep them motivated to do their best.

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