Discussions

Figure 2. Employee Engagement.

Employee motivation has a large internal component. Some people are simply driven more than others to succeed, advance and contribute. However, many employees use external factors such as pay, position and involvement as gauges for how motivated they should feel. As a manager, it's difficult to be all things to all team members. However, these are the certain methods we can use to gauge motivation and make changes accordingly.

5. Recommendation

One of the most important factors in employee motivation is how often their hard work is recognized.

1. 
   If an employee continues to expend discretionary effort to produce exceptional results, and that effort isn't recognized, don't expect it to keep happening.
   
2. 
   It's not just important to recognize great work -- how you go about recognizing your team's contributions has a significant impact. An annual bonus at the end of the year isn't likely to do the trick.
   
3. 
   Your organization needs to have an employee recognition program. You can let the productive and efficient employees choose their reward from a list of options. This will make them feel valued and more loyal towards the organization.
   
4. 
   The line managers and the supervisors can ensure efficient communication with their team through a direct medium instead of relying on mails all the time. Direct feedback and praise ensure a high comfort level with direct managers, fostering trust and translating
   

into high motivation and increased productivity.

5. 
   A flexible work schedule offers relief to the employee force, and ensures them that the organization values their efforts. Flexible timing, telecommuting and job sharing, will enable employees to finish their work while maintaining a good work life balance. This will motivate the employees, and help you retain some of the best talent in the industry.
   
6. 
   Some employees find additional responsibilities a highly motivating element in their job. It lets them enjoy greater ownership in different organizational efforts, and thus, makes them more motivated to strive for business success.
   
7. 
   It’s important to build a solid foundation for your employees so they feel invested in the company.
   
8. 
   Tell them about the history of the business and your vision for the future. Ask them about their expectations and career goals, as well as how you can help them feel like part of the team. When any new employee starts, make sure they receive a thorough welcome orientation.
   
9. 
   Most employees are looking for advancement opportunities within their own company. Work with each of them to develop a career growth plan that takes into consideration both their current skills and their future goals. If employees become excited about what’s down the road, they will become more engaged in their present work.
   
10. 
    Once in a while, you have put work aside and do something nice for the people who work for you.
    
11. 
    Treat the office to a pizza lunch or take everyone to the movies. Reward employees with an unexpected day off or by closing the office early on a random Friday afternoon. These little diversions can go a long way toward improving productivity.
    

6.