Motivation Through Appreciation

One of the best ways to make sure that your business is maximizing its potential is by making sure that all of your employees are motivated and productive. 

There are plenty of theories on how to best motivate employees, and it is common knowledge that different people are motivated by different things. When discussing motivation, most people will discuss types of extrinsic motivation, such as:

• Offering a good benefits package.
• Giving out paycheck bonuses.
• Honoring an "Employee of the Month".
• Offering tickets to local arts or sporting events.
• Rewarding exceptional work with gift cards or certificates.
• Throwing an office party or activity if a group goal is met.

These types of extrinsic motivators can be very effective for some people, but can get expensive for your business. While we don't recommend cutting out external motivations entirely, there is something that you can do to keep your employees motivated while lightening the burden on your business's budget; offer a mix of these extrinsic rewards and intrinsic rewards.

By making some of the motivation you offer intrinsic, you can make certain that your employees are doing their work not only because they have to, but because they want to. The best part is that intrinsic motivation is free - it costs only your time and appreciation as a manager.

Some of the best ways to intrinsically motivate employees includes:

• Offering acceptance: Make sure that your employees feel like their contributions and ideas are recognized.
• Offer independence: No one likes to feel like there is constantly someone over their shoulder. Give your employees their space (once they prove they deserve it) and see how they bloom when left to their own devices.
• Offer influence: If an employee has the influence to affect change, they can be motivated to show their skills and quality of work.

Do you want to know the final (and easiest) way to motivate your employees? It's simple - just say 'Thank you!' Offering your employees a few words of appreciation can be a huge motivation to some employees. In addition to reinforcing outstanding performance, it will lighten a staff member's mood and improve their day. In addition, they might be more willing to work harder in the future because they remember your gratitude!

Here is a challenge for all the business owners out there. Take a few minutes out of your busy day and genuinely thank someone for the work that they do. Remember that your business would be nothing without the effort and support of your staff! 

You can even use this motivational technique to help grow your business. In addition to thanking your employees for the work that they do, thank your customers for doing business with you. By showing your appreciation to your clientele, you can inspire them to continue their patronage. 

Additionally, be sure that you have properly insured your business. Doing so provides security for you and your employees. Should something happen, there will be resources to get you back in business quickly and take care of you and your employees. Call your local independent agent to review your needs.

So what are you waiting for? Today is the day that you can start using these motivational techniques to improve your business!