The power of motivating employees is all too evident in a company’s bottom line. The happier, more motivated the employee, the happier the customer, the healthier the bottom line.
Bob Nelson, Ph.D. is the author of 1001 Ways to Reward Employees (now in a new edition with 1.5 million copies in print) and president of Nelson Motivation, Inc. in San Diego, CA. He offers the following Top Ten ways to motivate today’s employees:
- Personally thank employees for doing a good job-one on one, in writing, or both. Do it timely, 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 initiatives.
- Provide information on how the company makes and loses money, upcoming products and strategies for competing in the marketplace, and how the person fits into the overall plan.
- Involve employees in decisions, especially those decisions that affect them.
- Recognize, reward and promote people based on their work.
- Provide employees with a sense of ownership in their work and the work environment.
- 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.
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