If you have a chance to talk to employees or their managers, you will often hear that the wages are the most important factor of motivation. Very often people say that they will take job positions for which they are not qualified if the salary is adequate and on time. Unfortunately, this attitude is the result of the current time and environment in which we live in – people want to fulfill their basic needs as well as their need for security and then focus on the needs of a higher order. Simply put, they first need food, then learning and development. But can we use motivation in order to produce bread and learning effect?

We will put aside the money and earnings. On the one hand, the effect of the financial reward is undeniable and on the other hand, we want to highlight the possible options that don’t require money. Lack of money should not be an excuse for lack of motivation in employees. Let’s point out some of the ways in which you can motivate your employees.

Learn more about your employees

In order to provide better motivation to employees, it is necessary to learn more about them. This task is much easier in small businesses because even if you don’t want to learn more about the employees, everyday interaction will reveal some details. When it comes to large companies, human resources departments usually have database of employees that include some information about hobbies and interest of employees which can be ultimately used for motivation.

Motivation through work and decision-making

Try to make the tasks (and the job in general) interesting whenever this is possible. If circumstances allow, engage your employees in new activities and tasks. In some cases, this is possible with rotation of employees on certain job positions and breaking the usual routines. Whenever possible, the effect of employee involvement in the process of decision-making and making ideas or proposals for projects is very positive because employees see a direct connection between their activity and engagement and consequences.  

Organize informal celebrations after some project is finished

This is one of the activities that really connect all the employees after some important task or project is finished. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to organize a special dinner, but simply call the employees to the local restaurant once the working hours are over. The main point is to emphasize their importance and that the company counts and cares about the employees. You can also use some small presents like gourmet e-liquids UK for example. Many managers also buy tickets for the cinema, theater, and concert or provide subscriptions for some websites or magazines.

Praise every good practice and initiative publicly

Although this sounds like something that every manager does all the time, but the fact is that many managers forget to do that or they do it in person. Remember that praise won’t spoil the employees, on the contrary it was proven that this activity will motivate them and how them that their personal efforts are recognized and appreciated.

Think about motivation all the time

It is not enough for your employees to have a nice office and a regular salary. These are important factors and their absence would certainly impact the employees’ satisfaction. However, if you want your employees to achieve better results they need to be motivated all the time.