5 Ways to Motivate Your Employees at Work

Statistics show that more than two-thirds of U.S. workers aren't engaged at work, according to a Gallup survey. When workers aren't engaged, they'll work slower and less efficiently. Unfortunately, this can take a toll on the company for whom they work. Companies with disengaged employees often suffer from poor sales and equally poor profits. There are ways to motivate and engage your company's employees, however.

#1) Say Thanks

Something as simple as saying "thanks for the hard work" can motivate your employees to push themselves on the job. Far too many employers overlook the need for one-on-one contact with their employees. And when employees aren't acknowledged for their hard work, they won't be motivated to excel.

#2) Foster Positive Company Culture

It's important that you create a positive company culture in your workplace. Otherwise, negativity will spread throughout your workforce, thereby hindering employees' performance while hurting your company's productivity in the process. You can create a positive company culture by maintaining an upbeat attitude.

#3) Ask for Input

Another way to motivate employees is to ask for their input. As an employer, you have the final say in your company's decision. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't seek employees' thoughts. Asking employees for input on a new product, service or project is a smart way to improve your company's operations while also motivating your employees. It shows employees that you care about their thoughts, so they'll naturally feel more motivated to succeed.

#4) Recognize Employee of the Month

Does your company have an employee-of-the-month program? If not, you should consider creating one. It's a simple and effective form of employee motivation. Regardless of your company's industry, you can recognize and reward one employee per month as the "employee of the month."

#5) Performance Incentives

Finally, consider offering performance incentives to your employees. If you run a sales company, for example, consider offering bonus rewards to employees who generate a specific amount of sales in a given period. You can give employees who make 100 to 150 sales per month a low-tier reward, and you can give employees who make 151 to 200  sales per month a high-tier reward. Even if the reward is nothing more than a free lunch or dinner, it will motivate employees to excel.