One definition of motivating is “to stimulate interest in and enthusiasm for doing something”. For many, the belief is that money is the only motivator for doing a good job. While it does play a part, there are other non-monetary methods to bring out the best in your employees grounded in appreciation. Here are some ways to show your appreciation. Start by getting to know your team members individually to understand their job aspirations. Listen to what drives them to do a good job. Encourage them to develop their career plans and then work with the employee to develop goals to move toward them. This may include a promotion from within that encourages employees to contribute to the success of the business or some additional training.
Once key contributors are identified, let them know they are important by listening to their input and involving them in the decision-making process when appropriate. Knowing the company values their experience and expertise will show they are appreciated and motivate them to work harder to come up with additional ideas. Other appreciation can be public recognition such as “employee of the month” for notable accomplishments, lunches, dinners, or other special events celebrations. Acknowledge the length of service publicly. Allow for volunteering assignments that benefit the community and fulfill the desires of employees. These all show that the company values its employees. Then reward them appropriately. Being paid for doing the job for which they were hired is one thing. But when receiving an unexpected payout because of a contribution that brought expense savings, customer satisfaction or additional revenue for the company clearly shows appreciation.
Why invest in showing your employees how much they are appreciated? First It will grow trusted leaders that will be able to handle the business if you are not available or need to take time off. Second, an employee who is growing and feeling an integral part of the company will be encouraged to stay on the job. This can save the expense of employee turnover. Lastly, when the word gets out that your business is a great place to work become an employer high-quality employees will seek positions. We all know companies that are great places to work and get started in a career. This can be a good goal for your business.
Ted Saul is a business coach who assists with Business Plans and Project Management. He holds a master’s certificate in project management and has earned his MBA from Regis University. Ted can be reached on LinkedIn, TedS787 on Twitter, or by emailing TedSaulBiz@gmail.com.
