Motivation in the Workplace
Boosting Morale is not a one time shot. It takes time, effort and energy to keep an upbeat attitude alive. I suggest you take one of these morale boosters and implement it, see how its working and than consider another one. Try the motivational techniques below..
- Boost Pride & Professionalism. Have any shrinking violets at work? With meaningful work everyone should be proud of their role. If you don’t sense the pride than you know people need to be recognized for their contribution. Show employees why they should be proud and that their work is meaningful. Of the top reasons people leave their work- they don’t feel appreciated. ACTION- Don’t leave this to fate, make sure people feel genuinely recognized. Appoint employees to this role (make it a game or give incentives to keep recognition alive).
- Organizations that play together stay together. It’s trite but true. Playing around turns the routine into festive and encourages positive workplace rapport. ACTION- Add humor and play to meetings, patient interaction, and shift change. Motivational speeches that engage and inspire help but only if they are relevant.
- Glean the element of surprise. People remember the unexpected (i.e. - Not many people will forget September 11th). ACTION- Create positive memories by engaging in the unexpected. Surprise people with activities, rewards, games, and recognition. Be Creative- the more surprising the better!
- Smiling Inspires Confidence. Smirk- it’s good for business. People feel at ease and comfortable when others smile. When your staff smiles it inspires confidence. ACTION- Spend time walking around smiling and encourage (insist?) people smile at work.
Self development starts with a positive disposition.
- Tell your story. Your organization has a purpose, history and vision… Share it. Your story helps people feel like a part of something important. ACTION- Communicate your story often at meetings and retreats. Appoint employees to act it out or tell it at company events.
- Manage Expectations. High Expectations lead to disappointment. Define for your employees and patients reasonable expectations. ACTION. Clearly outline what others can expect from any interaction/ procedure or role. Under promise so you can routinely over-deliver.
- Settle for No Less than Learning. Learning is a priority so look for the lesson in everything. Treat mistakes as learning opportunities. Most people are doing the best they can given the time and resources they have. ACTION. When mistakes happen don’t punish but make sure they are treated as a learning opportunity. Have a seminar that encourages people to discuss near misses and opportunities to improve.
- Insist on Respectful Behavior. Disrespectful acts are instant morale crushers. ACTION. Clearly define and communicate what is respectful behavior and what is not. Acts of disrespect should be reprimanded. Challenge each other with respect.
- Involve. The more you involve people in problem solving the more they will buy into the solution. ACTION. Create a system to solicit input and incorporate it before rolling out change.
- Laugh, Lighten up and enjoy your Mind! New brain research by Event speakers Dr Candace Pert suggests that when we laugh we use our brain to its highest capacity. Laughter immediately boosts endorphins, increases energy and decreases stress hormones. ACTION. Have laugh breaks to encourage the active use of humor. Put games, joke books, stand up comedy tapes in the lunch and break areas to help people engage their humorous side.