Motivation in the Workplace – Top 13 Simple Ways to Boost It

Have you ever tried to get yourself motivated to get some work done only to find yourself spinning your wheels? Sometimes, one day of unproductiveness spirals into multiple days of feeling listless, lethargic, and even bored. Motivation, as defined, is the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Motivation in the workplace is no different, as it is the employee’s desire or disposition to produce great work.

‘People often say that motivation doesn’t last well; neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily’ –ZIG ZIGLAR.

Many companies are always confronting the idea that if you want workers to perform better, you give them a bigger reward. This idea has proven over and over again, that higher incentive leads to higher motivation in the workplace.

Customarily, tasks were straightforward, and there were growing needs for workforce management. At that time, motivating people for the desired behaviour and punishing for the undesirable seems like the logical way to increase motivation in the workplace. Since we have seen results using this method; many companies still believe that when it comes to motivation in the workplace, the essential factor is to use the reward/sanction.

Truth is; this way has enabled us to leap forward going through revolutions and making technological advancements. However, this method neglects a situation where the employees lack enthusiasm for their job.

Everyone faces a dip in motivation, and consistently maintaining a high level of motivation in the workplace can be challenging. This lack of enthusiasm continues if no one gives workers direction.

How can we create a motivating work environment?

Here are some tips to help keep you and your team motivated day in and out. These tips are gathered to help increase motivation in the workplace and aren’t specific to any industry. You can apply them in a small establishment, franchise, startups, and large enterprises. If you are a manager, who is reading this then you must understand the roles of the manager and execute these tips smartly. Let’s read further

Tips To Help Increase Motivation in the Workplace.

                         ‘We are what we repeatedly do…’ –ARISTOTLE.

1. SET SMALL, MEASURABLE GOALS.      

Setting clear, achievable goals provides a real boost in motivation at the workplace. Each time we conquer one of the goals, there’s an increased willingness to do more. It can be incredibly demoralizing to work on a project that seems like it will never end even if your set employee time tracker for such tasks. Small and measurable goals are often easier to complete than one huge goal. Rather than focusing on a large and scary goal, take one thing at a time and break it into ideas you can digest bits by bits.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles?

Each step along that road should be a measurable goal; that way, your team members can see what they need to accomplish to the very end.

2. SEE, FOCUS, AND SHARE THE BIG PICTURE.

You can help boost motivation in the workplace by ensuring your team understands how each of their efforts impacts the organization, customers, and the community. Regardless of what business you are in, there are always small tasks that may seem insignificant. As a manager, you know that those small tasks play a significant role in the productivity and success of your company. Unfortunately, your team members may not be aware of this fact. You can increase motivation in the workplace by helping your employees focus on the big picture rather than the small task in front of them. Show them exactly how that seemingly insignificant task can have a significant impact on the success or failure of the project or business as a whole.

3. KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY.

Nothing is worse than when an employee forces themselves to come to work when they are sick. They have a chance of getting others sick. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be getting any of your best work done when employees can hardly hold their head up. Motivation in the workplace depends, in large part, on your health and that of your employees. Encourage everyone to sleep eight hours whenever possible, and get regular exercise. Encourage getting fuel, which means eating healthy and taking plenty of water. When you promote a healthy lifestyle, you increase motivation in the workplace.

Aside from your team’s health, it would help if you didn’t neglect your health. Are you spending long hours in the office? Make sure you have healthy snacks and drink a bottle of water every hour or two.

These measures should be taken to keep energy levels and motivation in the workplace as high as possible.

Also Read: Leave of absence policies that you must Know

4. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS.

Regular breaks are a great time to relax and refuel, and they are also crucial for motivation in the workplace. Taking a break every hour gives your team members to de-stress and unwind. Not only does it keep them physically healthy but also keeps their creativity firing in all cycles.

5. DEFINE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR WORK.

When you define the purpose of the work you are doing, it helps you to recognize and see the impact that it has on your clients and company. This definition helps employees feel like they are making a difference and goes a long way towards keeping them motivated. No one likes to do work for no reason. If they did, it is called play; a monotonous game that everyone would be tired of it. If you are an employer, you must define employee benefits to keep your team motivated for the vision that you have for your business.

6. BE TRANSPARENT.

We build every relationship on trust. Transparency is one of the best ways to encourage an atmosphere of trust amongst you and your team. A team that trusts you will be more motivated at work. Transparency also helps ensure that everyone is working with the same information.

7. PROVIDE CLARITY.

It’s crucial to understand the goals you are after, to be motivated to achieve them. Understanding starts with transparency and ends with clarity. Without clarity, the quality of being transparent begins to lose effectiveness and consequently affect motivation in the workplace.

8. STOP CARING ABOUT THE THINGS THAT DOESN’T MATTER.

    “Doing things that don’t mean anything costs a ton of mental energy. Look at your aggregated to-do list, find things you know that you don’t care about and get rid of as many of these activities as possible…” – NICK MULLER.

              Look very carefully and strictly at your list and shave off anything that is both truly demotivating and unnecessary for you to do. It’s not always best to finish what you started if, down the line, you can’t even remember the reason you started in the first place.

9. BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WILL EXPECT

To improve motivation in the workplace, be very clear about what you want employees to do. A journey starts with one step. So focus on that first step, a clear mission can light a fire of motivation under any team.

10. CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS AND CREATE TRADITIONS.

Traditions are as important in organizations as they are in families. Nothing is more critical for one’s motivation in the workplace than the annual traditions companies create for seasonal holidays. A holiday celebration builds real confidence, which results in increased motivation. High morale and motivation in the workplace contribute to team building and productivity. Keep a timeline set on your employee portal.

Your employee portal should display all upcoming company events. This keeps your employee excited about the future holidays and trip and they can plan things in advance. This motivates them to accomplish the best result to reach the celebration day, as early as possible.

11. ALLOW AUTONOMY.

Autonomy is another important motivation in the workplace. Imagine a kind of workplace that offers employees to feel they are in control, strive for mastery, and work for a purpose. Let employee choose their way for the task that you explained to them.. When a job is creative, there’s a need to create an environment that encourages purpose, mastery, and autonomy. Encourage people to be self-directed by creating an environment that pushes people to choose what they do, how they do it, and when they do it.

People are more inner driven; creating the right environment will allow motivation in the workplace. This right environment will also enable employees to activate their internal charge as they seek the company’s achievement and personal growth.

12. PROMOTE YOUR PERSONAL GROWTH AND MOTIVATION.

No matter how positive your workplace culture and environment are, you have a significant role in promoting your personal growth and motivation in the workplace. You can encourage your personal growth and motivation alongside with career development to overcome boredom, inertia, and staleness.

13. TAKE AN INTEREST IN EMPLOYEES’ FUTURE CAREER PATH AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE.

You will be surprised at how interest in employees’ career and balance does wonder in motivation in the workplace. Showing interest in your employees’ career path will have a positive effect on attitudes. Every employee wants a manager that care, understand family commitments. These small gestures often make a big difference.

You Must Read: A workforce needs a mentor, not manager

Final THought

Finally, motivation in the workplace is somewhat elusive. Some days you feel it, and sometimes you don’t just get it. You might just be staring at your computer screen blankly, barely caring about the work you are producing.  The tips above are for you to pick any choice comfortable for you and your team — you’ll need to perform your selection of advice at a higher level than before.