We are discussing employees who are passionate about their work and enjoy being part of their organization. These employees contribute positively to the institution and produce valuable work, in contrast to those who merely wait for their shifts to end, counting down the minutes.
Motivation is crucial, and many organizations recognize this. However, the key issue isn't just understanding that motivating employees is necessary; it lies in how to effectively motivate them.
Here are seven straightforward suggestions:
First, help employees feel that their work is meaningful. From my experience with various nonprofit organizations, I can say that the most powerful motivator in volunteer work—done without pay—is the sense of purpose it provides.
A study noted by a respected business planning expert found that 25% of employees are driven by money, while 29% are inspired by meaningful work.
If the work truly has significance, then achieving this goal shouldn’t be hard. However, for companies where employees disagree with the tasks at hand, it can feel almost impossible.
To address this, organizations may need to take a closer look at their core purpose, vision, mission, and strategies. If employees are not aligned with these principles, it could be beneficial to seek their feedback.
Perhaps it's time to update policies and goals that have remained unchanged for years.