A motivated workforce is a great asset to any company. People who do a job with a sense of involvement and ownership deliver output that is vastly superior from people who work under fear and intimidation. There are many factors that influence motivation. A friendly work environment, an understanding superior, a fair remuneration system, job that involves creativity or is in line with the employees’ innate interests, etc can all be great motivating factors.

It is imperative that the motivation level of the employees is at a consistently high level. It is the job of the management to ensure this. Motivating employees involves following high ethical standards in management. It involves showing a caring attitude towards the employees and the issues that concern them. While motivating employees involves adopting a style of management that commands respect and loyalty, there are a few tips that can increase the levels of motivation. 

1. Create a perception of ‘greatness’: Identify the ingredients of greatness in your chosen industry and work to achieve it. It can be great products, a sound brand image etc. People like to be a part of a great company – a company that commands respect in the outside world. Show people that they have a share in the greatness that has been achieved. 

2. Appreciating the uniqueness of people: People are different from one another and have different interests, aspirations and desires. While some people may be impressed with a good salary, others will be happy with power and position, still others will be happy with the perks and the other benefits the company accords them. To motivate different people, we need to understand what makes them happy. Then, we must proceed to help them relate to the company’s goals in the context of their personal objectives. 

3. Do not be over strict: Employees, like all of us are not perfect. They are bound to make mistakes. While it is necessary that all serious infractions are penalized, minor shortcomings can be addressed with a gentle admonition. 

4. Accountability: While employees deserve understanding, they should also be held accountable. The performance of all employees in an organization is closely interlinked. When an employee’s performance is not up to the company’s standard, it is imperative that the employee be reprimanded. Serious offenses should attract a proportionate penalty. This not only helps the employee correct himself, but, also serves as a warning to other employees. 

5. Ensure healthy competition: While competition can be useful in motivating people, it is imperative that the competition does not degenerate into rivalry and resentment. A hostile environment can have a demoralizing effect. 

6. Shared decision making: Involve your employees in the decision making process. This helps employees develop a sense of ownership. They feel a sense of importance at being consulted.

7. Share information with your employees: Keep your employees informed of the status of projects and other information. A boss who does not share information with his employees can be perceived to be arrogant.

8. Treat employees with respect: Use respectful and dignified language when talking to employees. Even reprimands and admonitions should be done in language that is decent and acceptable.

9. Incentives: Create a system of incentives. rewarding employees with incentives for targets achieved creates enthusiasm and motivation.