How to Motivate an Employee

Motivating employes can result in increasing profits and reducing errors.

By motivating employees, businesses can increase productivity, reduce the number of errors and reduce employee turnover rates. Motivated employees are more likely to point out problems unnoticed by management, make processes more efficient, and think of creative solutions. This helps the bottom line of the business as costs are reduced and errors decline.

Instructions

1. Implement a clear and fair reward system. Even if the company has a reward system, ensure that employees feel that the rewards are achievable and fairly awarded. If employees do not feel that a reward is attainable, or confident that management fairly gives out the rewards, they will lose faith in the system, which reduces its impact on motivation.

2. Meet with employees to discuss career goals. Find out what each employee hope to accomplish in his career create a path for him to follow so he can attain it. When employees feel that what they are doing is helping them accomplish their career objectives, they are more motivated to work harder than if they feel that they are in a dead-end job. Even if an employee does not intend to stay in this career, the manager can create tasks or training that the employee can use later when trying to land his dream job. For instance, if the employee is an administrative assistant but hopes to be a web designer, provide him wiith tasks such as updating the company blog, or making design changes.

3. Give clear instructions and explanations. Employees tend to lose motivation when they are not sure what is expected of them, how to complete a tasked assigned or are not sure why they are being asked to do something. Ensure that they are provided with all they need to complete the job, as well as allow time for them to ask questions.

4. Create a positive work environment. Employees who feel that they are constantly being criticized, critiqued or carefully watched are less motivated to work harder. Allow the employee to have some breathing room by not micromanaging, managing her own schedules and give her room to make mistakes.

References

• "Harvard Business Review": Employee Motivation: A Powerful New Model
• "Psychology Today": How to Motivate Employees -- What Managers Need to Know