6 Great Ways You Can Keep Your Team Motivated and Productive (Guest Blog)

Motivating your employees goes a long way in helping your business grow. It may not always be easy to do, but it’s something that you need to do as a leader. After all, the more motivated your team is, the better they’ll perform. Not sure what the best approach is? Here are some strategies worth trying.

1. Convey your expectations

Employees usually prefer knowing what is expected of them, so let them know exactly what your expectations are. Before you hire any employee, state clearly his or her job description and tasks along with your expectations. Once that employee joins your team, make it a point to regularly remind him or her of your expectations. You may need to this on a daily basis with new hires, and less frequently as time passes. Remember to be straightforward each time you communicate your expectations. Generalizing or being vague won’t help.

2. Make your employees feel appreciated

The simple act of telling your employees that you appreciate their efforts can do wonders for the morale of your team.So take the time to tell each of them how much their contributions matter to you and the company and how important of a role they play in day-to-day operations.Just make sure you do this with every single employee, regardless of his or her position. That includes, for instance, your front-desk receptionist, who deserves to hear that his or her courteousness, patience and hard work don’t go by unnoticed and have helped build and maintain the company’s impeccable professional reputation.

3. Assume the best of your employees

People make mistakes. And your employees will.When they do, don’t take it as a personal attack. It’s very unlikely that they find it amusing or that they did it intentionally to get back at you or to bring the company down. Mistakes just happen and are for the most part inevitable.You will only make matters worse by taking it out on your employees (especially if it’s just a minor oversight). Focus instead on a solution or fix.

4. Factor in your employees’ needs when setting up their workspace

When choosing office equipment and furnishings, consider how they would benefit or be in the best interest of your employees.Say the office computer orcopier machine is still working but runs slowly and often breaks down. If a newunit will enable your employees to work more smoothly and efficiently, then invest in a replacement. Comfort is key too, as your employees’ health should be among your top priorities. For instance, find out if the office chairs are ergonomic enough or if some employees have been experiencing back pain from prolonged sitting. It is also important to regularly check the heating and air-conditioning system to make sure that the temperature in the office is not too cold or stuffy.

Then there’s aesthetics. Yes, an attractive workplace can boost an employee’s sense of pride and encourage him or her to keep his or her space tidy (which in turn could lead to improved productivity). Some changes that might be effective: using a bright, energizing color on the walls and bringing in visually appealing furniture.

5. Put yourself in your employees’ shoes

Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. Reflect on this whenever you’re not sure about how to go about treating an employee. It can get overwhelming at times, especially with today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, so it helps to constantly remind yourself to treat your employees well. And don’t forget to look at the big picture and your long-term agenda.

6. Set up outdoor corporate events

Setting up weekly outdoor events is an excellent way of instilling motivation. Employees work best when they don’t feel under pressure. Take them to the park to brainstorm new ideas, or consider venues for corporate events. Outdoor venues are the best – the beach, the botanical garden, a mountain-like location, a terrace somewhere in the countryside will make them feel free. They’ll have more courage to shout out their ideas, and the productivity level of your team will visibly increase.

Motivating your employees may help propel your team to success. But being able to help someone reach his or her full potential is a reward in itself, regardless of how well your team performs.

Author Bio:-

Alfred Stallion is the writer to this article. He is a regular contributor at many sites and mainly focuses on business related topics. He loves to read business magazines in his free time.