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