“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

As an employer or HR manager, you may be looking for ways to motivate employees and keep them engaged.

At Joss Search, we understand the importance of a positive and supportive work environment. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on how to motivate employees, with tips on boosting company culture, promoting work-life balance, prioritising employee mental and physical health, and fostering motivation in the workplace.

What is company culture?

Company culture can be described as the unique personality of your organisation. It refers to the values, attitudes and behaviours that define your company’s working environment.

Company culture refers to the day-to-day practices, expectations and unwritten rules that shape how employees interact with each other and their work.

Culture can be influenced by various factors, including the organisation’s history, leadership style and the attitudes and behaviours of employees. It’s a concept that can be difficult to define, but it’s something that is felt and experienced by everyone in the organisation.

The importance of good company culture

A positive company culture can help to foster a sense of community and shared purpose, and it can create a more enjoyable and fulfilling work environment.

A good culture is also key to attracting and retaining top talent, which in turn leads to better business performance. Creating a positive work environment that employees enjoy being a part of is a win-win for everyone involved. 

Tips to boost company culture

There are several ways to improve your company culture, including:

  • Encouraging employee feedback and participation in decision-making
  • Fostering open communication and transparency
  • Celebrating employee achievements and milestones
  • Offering opportunities for professional development and growth
  • Encouraging work-life balance
  • Offering flexible work arrangements
  • Providing a comfortable and inviting work environment
  • Encouraging team CSI initiatives, social activities, and team-building events.

The benefits of healthy and happy employees on business performance

Healthy and happy employees can have a significant impact on overall business performance. They are more productive, engaged and motivated, which can lead to better results and improved business outcomes.

Happy employees can also help to improve and foster a good company culture as their positive attitude can rub off on other employees.

These employees are also more likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing staff turnover and associated costs.

The importance of employee mental health

According to a study by the World Health Organisation, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

This highlights the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and creating supportive environments that promote employee well-being.

Tips to boost employee mental health

In addition to the company culture-boosting practices listed above, here are some ways to boost employee mental health:

  • Provide resources and support for mental health issues, such as access to counselling or workshops
  • Offer employee assistance programmes or mental health days
  • Encourage open and honest communication and a supportive work environment
  • Provide opportunities for stress-relieving activities, such as yoga or meditation
  • Recognise and celebrate employee achievements and successes

Tips to boost employee physical health

Employee physical health is also important for overall well-being. Here are some ways to promote physical health in the workplace:

  • Offer healthy snacks and drinks in the office
  • Encourage taking breaks and participating in physical activity during the workday
  • Provide standing desks or ergonomic chairs
  • Offer fitness classes or subsidised gym memberships
  • Encourage in-person or virtual fitness challenges as team-building activities

Ways to keep employees happy and motivated

Unmotivated employees may be less productive and engaged. This can lead to decreased business outcomes and overall performance. There are various ways that employers can help to keep employees happy and motivated. 

Provide opportunities for growth and development

Providing training, mentoring and opportunities for career advancement can help employees develop new skills and take on new challenges. This not only benefits the individual employee but also enhances the overall skill set of the team and can contribute to the success of the business.

Offer competitive compensation and benefits

Employees want to feel valued and fairly compensated for their work. Ensuring that salaries and benefits are competitive with industry standards is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent.

Offering competitive compensation packages not only helps to attract new talent but also shows current employees that their contributions are valued and appreciated. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn can positively impact business performance.

Foster a positive work environment

A positive work environment can go a long way in keeping employees happy and motivated. Encourage teamwork, open communication and a culture of respect and appreciation.

Recognise and reward good work

Recognising and rewarding employees for their hard work and achievements can help to boost morale and motivation. This can include bonuses, promotions, public recognition or even just a simple thank you.

Prioritise work-life balance

Work-life balance refers to the balance between work and personal life. It’s important for employees to have time for themselves, their families and their hobbies outside of work. 

Burnout and stress can lead to decreased motivation and productivity. Encourage work-life balance by offering flexible schedules, remote-working options and time off for personal reasons.

How to motivate employees as a manager

As a manager, keeping your team motivated and engaged is essential to achieving your business goals. Here are five strategies to help you motivate your employees:

  1. Set clear goals and expectations
  2. Provide regular feedback and recognition
  3. Encourage professional development
  4. Foster a positive work environment
  5. Be a supportive leader

FAQs

What are the 3 things that keep you happy at work?

Every employee has their own unique set of factors that contribute to their happiness at work. Some common factors that contribute to a good work-life balance include:

  • Feeling appreciated and recognised 
  • Career growth and personal development opportunities 
  • Great benefits and remuneration

What are the 5 main drivers of employee retention?

The five most common drivers of employee retention are: 

  1. Compensation and benefits
  2. Company culture
  3. Opportunities for growth and development
  4. Work-life balance
  5. Positive relationships with their manager and co-workers

How do you make employees feel like they belong?

To make employees feel like they belong, it’s important to create a supportive and inclusive company culture.

This can be achieved by:

  • Promoting open communication
  • Recognising and celebrating diversity
  • Fostering a sense of community within the workplace
  • Providing opportunities for employees to collaborate and socialise with each other

What are the 5 factors of job satisfaction?

The five most common factors of job satisfaction are:

  1. Pay and benefits
  2. Job security
  3. Opportunities for growth and development
  4. A positive work environment
  5. Work-life balance

When these factors are met, employees are more likely to feel satisfied and engaged in their work.

Conclusion

Keeping your staff happy and supported is crucial for the success of your business. By promoting a positive company culture, offering opportunities for growth and development and prioritising employee well-being, you can create a supportive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction, engagement and loyalty.

At Joss Search, we are committed to helping job seekers find positions that align with their values and career goals.