Is it possible to motivate without money being the number one issue? If you’re wondering what your staff wants from their jobs, or indeed from you, it might be obvious to conclude that more money is always the solution.
You can motivate without money, but nobody will turn down a pay raise. Does money solve all motivation problems? Does it make your employees happy? Will it be enough to make them stay with your company, all other things being equal?
The short answer is no. Many studies have been conducted on just this topic in recent years. The overall consensus is that money alone is not enough to buy happiness or motivation in the workplace.
Imagine being paid a generous six-figure salary for a job you were expected to work to the point of exhaustion every day. And you are surrounded by people who despise you. Plus, it is in a funky office with a line manager who showed no appreciation for your superhuman efforts. You wouldn’t stay there for long.
Work relationships, job satisfaction, the commute, work pressures, and the work/life balance all play an essential role. Financial reward, it seems, is only one of several motivators.
So, what can you, as an employer, do to ensure your staff is happy in their jobs other than reward them financially?
1. Professional Development Programs
If you are dedicated to investing in your staff, why not help to improve their skills? You will be showing them that they matter to your business. And you’ll be getting better-qualified employees as a result.
In terms of motivation, training and development opportunities can bring substantial rewards. Your employees feel supported and encouraged to grow professionally to become a better version of themselves. If progression is offered within their current role, why would they want to go elsewhere?
2. Opportunities for Career Progression
Professional development opportunities are excellent. But a realistic chance to climb the company ladder is an even more significant motivator. Lack of career progression is routinely cited as the main reason for leaving a job.
To find out more about your staff’s ambitions, discuss their prospects for promotion within the company. Regular communication is critical. Whether their aspirations can be accommodated with greater responsibilities within the same department, another business area, or a new role in the company, the sense of their contribution being rewarded is the real motivational driver.
3. Recognition and Praise
Everybody responds positively to a pat on the back for a well-done job. Interestingly, the frequency of the reward is more important than its size. Recognition can take many forms, and it’s essentially down to your management style and skills as to how this is best done.
From casual ‘well done and regular positive feedback to formal presentations to award certificates of achievement for a particular target or project, there are endless ways you can show your appreciation to your staff.
Reward them with a team outing or the occasional early finish, monthly work lunches, or pizza nights. Have team competitions with prizes to reward high achievers. Celebrate when the company does well and thank your workforce for their hard work.
A little appreciation goes a long, long way.
4. Valued Contributions and Responsibilities
The more your employees feel they are a valued part of the greater team, the more connected they will feel to the business as a whole. Everyone likes to think that they’re contributing to its overall success. So give them meaningful tasks with real responsibilities, then step back and allow them the freedom to make it happen.
Whether you delegate the organization of this year’s Christmas party or hand over the account management of a key client, let individual staff members prove themselves, then praise them accordingly for their achievements.
Practice a culture of team working and being inclusive. It’s essential to make your staff realize that their views genuinely matter to you and the business and that you encourage their ideas and welcome feedback wherever possible.
5. Pleasant Working Environment
Creating a workplace environment that people enjoy spending time in goes a long way toward keeping your employees happy. In addition to the fundamental requirements regarding hygiene, space, light, and air that should be covered in any event, think about providing comfortable office furniture, attractive interior décor, lush indoor plants, a well-equipped kitchen, and superior meeting room facilities.
Depending on your budget, industry, and location, you could offer dedicated staff parking, recreational facilities such as a pool table, gym, and showers, or added benefits such as in-house yoga or mindfulness sessions, free childcare provision, or counseling.
Starting with the physical environment, build a positive workplace culture where everyone feels inspired and motivated to do their best.
Whether you keep the motivational buzz alive through uplifting music, cakes on a Friday, or the latest ergonomic office furniture design, it pays to look after the well-being of your workforce so everyone feels like one big happy family.
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How Do You Motivate Without Money?
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