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Motivation is one of the most powerful driving forces in the workplace. It can mean the
difference between tremendous success and failure of an organization.
Motivation stems from two sources. The first of these is due to internal forces, which are mainly
our thoughts, patterns and collective experiences. When we hire self motivated people dedicated
to the work that they do, it is the internal motivation levels that we gauge.
The other source is external or extrinsic source of motivation. Over time, employees grow to
resent the monotonous nature of their jobs which dampens their driving force and thereby
reduces their efficiency and productivity. This is especially true for employees who feel
underappreciated. Companies can alter motivation level in employees either by offering positive
incentives like appreciation, promotion and money or by instilling fear of punishment, bad
review or dismissal. Needless to say, although negative motivational strategies are used in
companies, it is the former that is most widely preferred.
Whatever might be the economic situation or business outlook; there are certain things all
employees always expect from the workplace:
a) Their contributions should be recognized and rewarded
b) They must be given opportunities which suit and enhance their skill sets
c) They must be included and given a voice in the decision making process
d) They should be allowed to experiment
e) The managers and team leads should never be too busy to listen to them. Their issues must be
addressed resolved speedily.
Some of the Motivational Strategies followed by Organizations
1. Fiancial incentives:
Money has always been one of the best motivators because it is the reason for which people
work. Giving a raise or salary hike when one performs excellently, motivates the employee to be
more productive and efficient.
2. Benefits and rewards:
Money isn’t always what employees look for. Rewards like a day off, paid vacations, gifts,
movie tickets, occasional treats to lunch or dinner, or a better office are some ways used to
motivate the employees. Most companies give performance linked promotions and
responsibilities. A lot of companies now sponsor deserving employees and pay their tuition fees
at regular universities so they can study further. Health and life insurance cover for the
employees and their families, pension programs, petrol allowance, phone allowance, easy house
and car loan procurement programs are some other benefits that companies today offer.
3. Job security and respect
For most employees, job security is the greatest concern. Most companies today make sure that
the employees know that it regards them as its most valuable assets and laying them off during
turbulent times would be the very last option that they’d consider. Employees appreciate the
respect shown to them by senior employees.
4. Recognizing and appreciating a job well done:
Employees value it when their performance is recognized and praised. This inspires them to
work even harder next time. Employees appreciate fairness and impartiality in the workplace.
5. Providing training:
Training for additional knowledge and skills is a great motivator for many employees especially
those who are always craving to learn something new. This is not only motivates individuals but
also improves performance and productivity. Training allows for job rotation which reduces
monotony at the work place.
6. Keeping the lines of communication open:
It is necessary to make sure employees are kept in the loop when the information is relevant to
their work. They must feel free to discuss any doubts or problems that may have. Suggestions
from employees must also be welcomed as this has the twin advantages of making them feel
important while giving space for new ideas to evolve.
7. Keeping them informed:
The managers explain to the employees if priorities have changed, why had to change. This
strategy was used in many organizations in the recent economic slowdown. Instead of laying off
employees, many companies briefed the employees of all the steps they were taking to ensure
that no jobs were lost. It was found that employees were much more cooperative. Many offered
to take pay-cuts and most took it well when they came to know there wouldn’t be any bonuses or
promotions for sometime.