5 Strategies to Motivate the Modern Workforce and Boost Morale

In India's competitive landscape where the economy is booming, the key to success often resides within your company's walls - particularly with your employees. Whether a business owner is running a small business or a multinational corporation, empowering employees in the right way and with the right tools is key to reaching the company’s goals as it keeps them motivated and engaged.

Boosting the performance of employees is a direct route for companies looking to enhance their profitability. Motivated and engaged employees are more inclined to exceed expectations for their employer. The motivation of employees also impacts the quality of work; the more effort employees put in, the higher the likelihood of producing superior quality work. Motivation leads to a sense of pride in one's work. When employees are proud of their work and excited to perform at their best, they approach tasks with care and accuracy. This attention to detail reduces mistakes and the necessity for redoing work, further enhancing the productivity of a company's business.

Moreover, employees who are enthusiastic about their work and feel a sense of ownership are more inclined to generate innovative ideas, which is crucial for leading companies toward success. The advantages of having a motivated workforce are clear, but maintaining employee focus can be challenging. Below are five key strategies for employee motivation.

Make teamwork more effective with technology

Achieving collective goals and driving organizational success heavily relies on effective teamwork. Employees are generally more motivated when they feel connected with each other and feel part of a supportive and interconnected community. Thus, fostering a company culture that encourages teamwork and collaboration is vital, as it creates an environment where employees can motivate one another.

To support teamwork and employee engagement, companies can employ various technologies, such as collaboration and communication platforms and employee experience applications. According to Morning Consult’s survey, 73% of leaders and 55% of employees surveyed engage in sharing notes and action items with colleagues several times a week. The respondents also noted spending more time on these tasks than anticipated.

Understand what drives employees

The notion that one approach fits all does not hold for employees; therefore, managers must identify and understand the individual motivations, strengths, and aspirations of each team member. Engaging in regular one-on-one conversations to facilitate discussions about professional development goals as well as challengeswill help employers understand what motivates their employees and show the company's commitment to their success.

Support employees in charting a path to success

Aligning with the goals of the employees, managers should set clear, measurable goals for them. It is important to set challenging but attainable targets. Setting unrealistic goals can demotivate employees, whereas simple goals won't challenge them to perform their best.

In addition, employers and managers should support employees in acquiring the skills necessary to achieve their goals. The chance to enhance their skills and advance in their careers is a significant motivator for many. Employees who perceive a lack of growth opportunities might become complacent or frustrated.

Encourage employees through proactive and positive actions

Providing employees with a sense of purpose is essential, as no one wants to feel like an insignificant part of an organisation. When employees understand how their efforts contribute to the company's achievements, they are more likely to excel in their roles. Regularly sharing the company's objectives and each team member's role in achieving success can keep employees motivated and engaged throughout the organization.

Additionally, the key to sustaining motivation lies in the acknowledgement and celebration of employees' accomplishments. Recognition – be it a mere "thank you" for exemplary work or more palpable rewards such as bonuses or additional time off – bolsters positive behaviour. In tailoring these incentives to individual preferences, managers can elicit an even stronger response from their staff; some may relish public acclaim while others prefer private gestures.

The article is authored by Sameer Raje, General Manager and Head, India & SAARC Region, Zoom Video Communications, Inc.