So, today I was back again on The Big Resolution Show on Jordan FM with Melmarh to discuss the topic Employee Motivation. 

Though I think this is a rather broad topic, I would define employee motivation as the level of excitement and energy, engagement and creativity that an employee brings to their job or work. In other words, is the employee meaningfully engaged? Is he or she excited to be at work, giving his or her best and staying committed to the organisation's goals and objectives? 

Or is the employee just coasting through, waiting for the next opportunity to exit your organisation to have a breather? 

Whether we like it or not, or admit it or not, employee motivation has a direct bearing on the level of productivity of the employees in an organization. 

Now that we have defined motvation, let us go on to discuss what employers, administrators ad managers can do to motivate the staff. 

 Firstly, it would be wrong to assume that every employee is motivated by the same factors. Granted, everyone wants to earn a good salary (at least, I do and everyone I know, does!). But then, it goes beyond just a salary.

So, here are some ways to motivate your employees to perform. 

1. Communicate properly with the employees. As little as this may sound, it has a huge impact on employee motivation. Communicate your vision, mission, core values and the direction the organisation is heading and so the employee can see him or herslef in the big picture. 

Also, communicate the job expectations and let these be clear to both you as the employer or manager, and the employee. Few things are as confusing as having a job where the expectations are not spelt out. And where the employer wakes up one day and tells you that you are not performing well or meeting up with the expectations. What were the expectations in the first place? 

Let every party involved know the expectations. It saves you from the stress of a strained relationship borne out of poor communication. 

2. Provide the worktools to get the job done. 

Just how do you expect an employee who has to go out several times in a week to cope when there is no official car nor transport allowance to cover this? If the employee's job involves constantly sending emails and working on the computer, it is only expected that a computer is provided by the employer to facilitate his productivity on the job. 

Comfortable office furniture and work stations shold be provided. Do not neglect the importance of providing stationery to the employees. Some jobs have been left undone by employees because the organisation did not provide adequate paper or printing ink, and the employee had to constantly use his money to provide these items. At some point, such an employee would just get tired of spending from his pocket to meet organisational needs especially if it happens too often. 

3. Pay salaries promptly. Employees plan for their salaries and when this is not paid regularly, it has a negative impact on their morale and ultimately affects their job performance. Remember that salary is a motivator for a lot of people, especially considering the level of inflation. 

And talking about salaries; pay salaries that are commensurate with the job done by the employees. 

4. Allow your employees to have a work-life balance.

I always say to the employers, "Do not ride a willing horse to death." When you employ an individual into your organisation and pay him or her a salary, it doesn't mean you have bought over his or her entire life! The job is just an aspect of their lives. They belong to a family which needs their attention, too. They have a need to maintain their friendships and significant relationships. They belong to a religious setting that requires some level of commitment, too. They might have a hobby they want to pursue. Let their workload be such that allows them to do other things, too, while you engage them meaningfully.

5. Build a positive work culture to promote team work, and avoid favouritism and cliques.  

Everyone wants to feel like part of a team, and not be excluded from what goes on. Sadly, a lot of organisations promote a toxic culture from nepotism, ethnicity, cliques and favouritism. This makes some people feel like they are more important in the organisation than others. And some employers have informants who end up scheming against others and claiming the achievements of other team members, while looking good to the employer at the expense of others. 

 6. Go the extra mile to find out what motivates your employees. This could be in the form of a direct interview, surveys, your personal observations and direct feedback or informal conversations with them. 

I hope you'll find these tips useful. Would you want to share what motivates you? Please share in the comments. 

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