Effective Ways Small Business Owners Can Keep Employees Motivated

Dedicated employees are the cornerstone of any small business. In the absence of such workers, a business is liable to have trouble meeting deadlines, ensuring quality, and tending to customer service.

So, if your employees are currently lacking in motivation, it’s in your best interest to correct this issue in a timely manner.

Fortunately, instilling motivation in employees doesn’t have to be an arduous uphill climb. Small business owners looking to motivate their respective workforces will be well-served by the following measures.

1. Regularly Express Gratitude

A staggering number of employers consistently fail to express anything resembling gratitude to their team members, regardless of how much they’ve contributed to the success of their respective businesses. The way these employers see it, the paychecks employees receive are the only gratitude they’re owed.

Unsurprisingly, this type of attitude is liable to demotivate employees instead of inspiring them to put forth their best efforts. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t relish feeling appreciated, especially in professional settings.

After all, given how much time and energy many of us devote to our jobs, it’s only natural for us to expect recognition and gratitude on the part of our employers.

To help ensure that your employees never feel undervalued, make a point of expressing gratitude and praise at every available opportunity. This can effectively show your team members that their hard work does not go unnoticed and that you are very much aware of their contributions.  

2. Consistently Reward Employees

In addition to offering words of praise and gratitude, you’ll need to consistently provide high-performers with tangible rewards.

For example, if someone has performed admirably in their role for a very long time, you should give serious thought to rewarding them with a pay raise and promotion. It should come as no surprise that many members of the workforce have serious reservations about giving years of their lives to employers who offer no room for advancement.

Not only should you regularly reward individual employees, but you should also find ways to show appreciation to your entire team. For instance, if everyone has run ragged in order to meet an important deadline, a long weekend, fun-filled outing, or party at the office can be a fantastic way to say thank you.  

Similarly, if your business regularly enlists the assistance of freelancers, these individuals shouldn’t be exempted from receiving rewards.

So, if there are any high-performing freelancers with whom you’ve worked for extended periods, consider extending full-time opportunities to them. As an added bonus, this can serve to motivate newer freelancers to put their all into the work they do for your business. 

3. Participate in Online workshops

Small business owners understand the importance of maintaining a motivated workforce as it directly impacts the overall success and growth of the business. One effective strategy to keep employees engaged and inspired is by participating in online workshops.

These learning platforms offer an excellent opportunity for both the employees and the business owner to enhance their skills, learn about the latest industry trends, and stay updated on the best practices. Experts from Langevin believe that by investing in continuous learning and personal development, small business owners contribute to creating a thriving work culture that supports innovation and a simulated work environment.

4. Invite Motivational Speakers To Your Workplace

If you’ve noticed a distinct lack of motivation among the members of your team, you may need to enlist the aid of a seasoned expert.

So, if you possess little to no experience in professional motivation, take care to get in touch with a highly sought-after female keynote speaker. The right speaker can provide you with invaluable advice on keeping employees motivated for the long haul and pave the way for a happier, more productive workforce.

5. Embrace Remote Work

Many members of the workforce regarding being at work as the worst part of their respective jobs. More often than not, the traditional work experience involves getting up uncomfortably early, weathering a stressful commute, and sitting at a desk for at least eight hours.

However, as many employers and workers have come to discover throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a sizable percentage of desk jobs can be done remotely. Even with many employers now calling team members back to the office, a sizable number of workers would rather quit their jobs than return to non-remote work full-time. 

With this in mind, you should strongly consider making remote work an option for any team members whose jobs can be done remotely. In addition to providing workers with a greater degree of control over their respective schedules, embracing remote work can contribute to employee satisfaction and worker retention.

Without dedicated employees, no small business would be able to keep its doors open. While it’s true that some team members may put forth more effort than others, every person in your employ plays an important role in the success of your business.

As such, it’s in your best interest to keep your workers happy and motivated. Luckily, this isn’t nearly as difficult as some business owners make it look – especially with the advice outlined above at your disposal.

Read Also:

• 3 Benefits Of Investing In Employee Wellbeing Programs
• 10 Concerns Your Employees Might Have About Their Job
• 5 Ways To Keep Your Employees Engaged And Motivated At The Workplace