What can you do to improve the motivation of your employees? It’s time to take it back to basics, as I list my top three fundamental factors I believe effects employees in the workplace. It can be as simple as giving your office a new lick of paint, or increasing collaboration in the office, but these things all work to increase productivity and boost motivation.
1) Environment:
The working environment can effect motivation in employees for a few reasons, all of which play a large part in the productivity and overall effectiveness of the workforce. It can be as simple as the colour of the walls, so what three things can you change up to increase motivation?
Lighting – Lighting is a very important aspect of a good working environment. Having low quality lighting can cause issues including eye strain, fatigue and it’s even been proven that low lighting can add to the effects of depression. It’s important to keep your employees eyes happy – so invest in a good lighting system, preferably with natural light bulbs. Put down the florescent tube lighting, NOW!
Wall colour – It’s been proven that colour can profoundly influence behaviour. So what colour is best for motivation? It depends! Go for blue if you’re looking for a relaxing and motivating boost. Opt for yellow if you’re looking to increase creativity and alertness. Red has been proven to increase motivation of those doing physical work, and green is a good colour to use if you want to promote the idea of balance! Take your pick.
Furniture – Having a suitable desk and chair for your employees is an important aspect of employee wellbeing – which leads to improved productivity. Make sure you provide adjustable desk chairs and don’t forget pillows and cushions if necessary. Including risers to adjust the level of screens will work wonders in improving posture and comfort at work.
2) People:
Interaction with work colleagues is such an important part of work life. The experience of working at your brand can be greatly affected by the employees who you choose to employ. You can use this interaction as a way to promote productivity in the workplace, and as well as the added boost in motivation, employees will also feel happier and enjoy work much more.
Collaboration – Collaboration in the workplace is important for so many reasons. Firstly it allows for added creativity and discussion – not only will this increase friendships in the workplace, but will later on improve motivation as they enjoy the experience of working in your company.
High performers – If you think there’s an employee who needs an extra push in the right direction, surround them with high performers. A study undertaken by Michigan State University revealed that those who were the “weakest link” on a running team improved the quickest when performing as part of a high-achieving team – and this can work in the office too.
3) Basic needs:
The old fashioned method of tasks and rewards is SO nineties. Employees need more than a monetary bonus or a dinner from their boss. Instead, they need what they really want – more annual leave, a flexible schedule and the chance of promotion.
Annual leave – It’s important to remember that taking a break from work can increase productivity when at work. So letting employees have a good break every now and then will work wonders for productivity. Richard Branson has even let Virgin Group employees have as many days leave as they want – and it’s working wonders for their productivity.
Flexibility – Employees will really appreciate a more flexible schedule when it comes to work – why not offer the chance to work from home or from a different location? Or change the official working hours of the company and see what happens to productivity and workplace motivation?
Growth – Nothing is more motivating than knowing you’re near a possible promotion. This is why it’s important to provide the chance of growth and manoeuvrability within your company. Your employees will appreciate it.
What else do you think are fundamentals in improving workplace productivity? Let us know on Twitter @UndercoverRec
