The first quarter of the year is when many people resolve to look for a new job as disillusion sets in during the cold, post-Christmas months.
But employers that can motivate their staff will be able to keep staff turnover to a minimum and give themselves a productivity boost in the process.
Specialist IT recruiter GCS offers the following tips on how to keep staff motivation high when the Christmas festivities seem just a distant memory:
Challenge staff
De-motivation can occur when employers are vague or
secretive about future business plans, or don't emphasise trust and faith in
their employees' abilities. Challenges can motivate staff if executed well, but
if the management are constantly moving the goalposts, people can lose sight of
these goals
Training
If employers don't provide the right training and
motivational culture to support staff they will be tempted to leave and join a
business that does offer such an environment. Offer staff funding to attend
external training courses for personal development. This will help enhance
productivity and performance at work while also allowing for broader options
for their own individual benefit and personal development
Motivate yourself
Successful motivation starts with wanting the best for your
people and as a manager you must be motivated yourself if you expect to
motivate others
New projects
A new year is a good opportunity to start afresh with your
team. Set new challenges by producing a new business plan with
incentives for your staff
Money talks
The first quarter of the year can be a good time to look at
appraisals and pay reviews. This can help develop individual objectives that
will not only motivate the team but will also lead to business success. It's a
good chance to set clear objectives for the year ahead, and for the employee to
voice any issues or concerns that you need to tackle
Company culture
A strong company culture is crucial. If staff are happy in their working
environment they will feel motivated and will show long-term commitment and
loyalty to the company
Involve others
Participation is the key to motivation. Let your staff make
suggestions and show that you value their ideas. Often we exclude our greatest
assets (the people around us) from decisions where they could be useful
Reward staff
Reward staff to show them that you value their hard work.
Such rewards don't have to be purely financial. You can give them an extra day
off or take them out for lunch. Backing up a decent salary with increased
personal rewards and incentives is much more effective for motivating staff and
creating loyalty and retention.
Teambuilding
Encourage staff to bond in an informal setting such as lunch
at the local pub or teambuilding sessions away from the office. This will
improve working relations, creating a harmonious and supportive environment
among colleagues
