Employee motivation is one of the most often ignored issues within the workplace. Most employers attempt to use every tool at their disposal to make their business successful, but many ignore the most important factor in business. Motivated workers with a high morale and sense of job responsibility can make all the difference when it comes to the success or failure of a business.

Through the implementation of a few employee motivation tactics, any employer or manager can increase the level of productivity of their employees. The techniques used will vary depending on the type of business; however the basic ideas are universal. Recognition and rewards, flexibility and change, with a little bit of fun mixed in can change employees attitudes about work and turn your business around.

Flexibility and Change

Employee motivation can also be influenced by the amount of flexibility of the employer or manager. If a worker knows that the boss is willing to work hard for them, they will be more motivated to help make the business more productive. Be as considerate as possible with employee requests for time off and vacations. If possible, allow them to work from home when they have sick children. Always remember that happy employees are more productive.

Change can be as big of an influence on employee motivation as anything else within the workplace. Nothing drags down the attitudes and morale of a worker faster than the feeling that they are stuck in a rut. If your workplace has a variety of job descriptions that are interchangeable between employees, start a rotation program. This will not only give employees a welcome change of scenery, but also allow cross-training that can come in handy when there is a personnel shortage in a department or position.

Recognition and Rewards

One of the biggest influences on employee motivation is recognition. Everyone wants to hear when they have done a job well. Some employers take for granted the day-to-day tasks of a worker and forget to hand out praise for exceptional work. Lack of recognition often causes employees to feel unimportant and feeling as if their performance level doesn’t really matter. Start giving employees a pat on the back for a good job on a mundane daily task and the positive results will be immediate.

Another wonderful idea for increasing employee motivation is to implement a reward system for specific accomplishments. Set achievable goals for each employee or make it a team effort. Reward them with lunch on the boss, an afternoon off, or even just a small token prize as a thank you. This will quickly raise workplace morale and encourage healthy competition between employees, increasing motivation and productivity.

Have Some Fun

Not many people can say that their job is fun, but those who can work harder and stay longer within the company. Making the workplace more a more enjoyable environment has a direct impact on employee motivation. One great idea is to have potluck lunches around holidays, where employees bring a favorite dish to share. Implement a casual dress day or have employees dress up within a theme for even more fun. Celebrate a co-worker’s birthday with a cake and decorations. Ask employees for ideas on fun things to do at work that will break up the monotony on occasion.

Getting employees together outside of the office can promote camaraderie and increase employee motivation. A semi annual picnic or holiday party at a restaurant can establish new friendships between employees. Sponsor a bowling or softball team with employees as players, making sure to have some managers or supervisors involved to create outside relationships with employees. Businesses that are involved in life outside the office are bound to be more successful, with a high rate of employee motivation.