How to boost Employee Motivation?

Hi Julia:

We'd recommend getting your organziation involved in something that is team-based and most importantly, fun! Last year over 1000 organizations competed in the Global Corporate Challenge, where employees from all backgrounds, fitness levels, and job titles raced (virutally) around the globe by simply moving more. Registrations are now open for 2010. It will be the most fun your company has all year. Check it out! www.gettheworldmoving.com.

Hi Julia, I'd recommend holding off on doing something fun, and actually taking time to explore the underlying issues of why morale is going down the tubes first.

The "fun stuff" has a limited impact, rather like the Hawthorne Effect (which is in the main what fun stuff provides).

Real motivation issues are deep seated and often need cultural change programs to address them, along with commitment from a senior management team.

Communication is often the key to all of this, and it's businesses, where communication is bogged down in secrecy and jargon, that find themselves suffering in morale terms.

Thanks for your responses. You both make some great points and I've thought about attacking the issue from both sides of your responses. I think I need to dig a little deeper and see where the source of the issues are coming from before taking action. I do like the team-based/team-building exercise, but I don't want to spoil them. I appreciate the feedback guys.

First of all I would verify that feeling. Despite the ridicule Scott Adams pours on employee moral surveys I feel it helps dramatically to just ask people what their concerns are, then ACT on them. Show that the company is truly behind them.

Here is a very interesting tool. Check out http://eepulse.com/ for some very interesting ideas on continuous moral polling. I think this is very cool.

Definitely assess if and why there is a real dip in morale. It could be restricted to just one area of your company. I'd also suggest getting your company leaders walking and talking with their teams- nothing gets employees jazzed more than face to face contact that's informal, informative (they can talk abt company direction, initiatives or projects) and most of all, dialogue-driven (leaders asking people for their feedback and opinions).

Hi Julia.
I agree that problem assessment is the first step. FYI, employee morale has taken a hit in most companies that have had to cut back in the last 18 months leaving the remaining employee concerned about thier own security and more than likely very overworked. You may want to check out a blog I've written on how managers can mitigate this situation: http://tinyurl.com/yzzktmo

Best of luck!

Great blog post Marla. Thanks for the link.

Hi Julia,

I've found that employees like to feel like they're talents are being used to full advantage, that they have room to grow and that their efforts are appreciated. You may want to explore ways that you can make sure that you are touching on each of those points in meaningful ways. I've noticed that companies can really create a wonderful workplace environment by starting a weekly program where people come together and celebrate their accomplishments. It doesn't have to be a party or big event, simple conversations or group meetings can be amazingly motivational. The key is for people to feel important and like they have some potential for growth and recognition in the company.

Take care,

Guy
http://www.myrelationshipguy.com/teambuilding

I am beginning a speciality in the area of employee motivation and engagement, I have and affordable and easy-to-use program with an emphasis in creating collaborative manager and employees partnerships that will increase energy, morale, enthusiasm and improve business results. What more can you ask for! I have 20 years of experience that tells me this is a good thing. Let me know if you'd like more information.

i feel showing them "we care" a coy can benefit and how they can grow with the coy can add vaule.

employees love to grow and if that path can be shown, this will help.
Training & develpment path can come to rescue too

Julia: You have some intersting perspectives that have been posted here. From my perspective, I'll cast my vote with Luanne. When the economy's soft, and monetary rewards are few or nonexistant, I think the key is to show your employees that they are valued and appreciated. One excellent way to do this is what Luanne suggests. Get them involved in making decisions in a collaborative process. Check the February AMA Leader's Edge newsletter for an interesting article on the five root causes of low employee morale. If you want me to send you the article, just email me.