Motivational Strategies used in Current Scenario and their Impact

Motivation is one of the most powerful driving forces in the workplace. It can mean the

difference between tremendous success and failure of an organization.

Motivation stems from two sources. The first of these is due to internal forces, which are mainly

our thoughts, patterns and collective experiences. When we hire self motivated people dedicated

to the work that they do, it is the internal motivation levels that we gauge.

The other source is external or extrinsic source of motivation. Over time, employees grow to

resent the monotonous nature of their jobs which dampens their driving force and thereby

reduces their efficiency and productivity. This is especially true for employees who feel

underappreciated. Companies can alter motivation level in employees either by offering positive

incentives like appreciation, promotion and money or by instilling fear of punishment, bad

review or dismissal. Needless to say, although negative motivational strategies are used in

companies, it is the former that is most widely preferred.

Whatever might be the economic situation or business outlook; there are certain things all

employees always expect from the workplace:

a) Their contributions should be recognized and rewarded

b) They must be given opportunities which suit and enhance their skill sets

c) They must be included and given a voice in the decision making process

d) They should be allowed to experiment

e) The managers and team leads should never be too busy to listen to them. Their issues must be

addressed resolved speedily.

Some of the Motivational Strategies followed by Organizations

1. Fiancial incentives:

Money has always been one of the best motivators because it is the reason for which people

work. Giving a raise or salary hike when one performs excellently, motivates the employee to be

more productive and efficient.

2. Benefits and rewards:

Money isn’t always what employees look for. Rewards like a day off, paid vacations, gifts,

movie tickets, occasional treats to lunch or dinner, or a better office are some ways used to

motivate the employees. Most companies give performance linked promotions and

responsibilities. A lot of companies now sponsor deserving employees and pay their tuition fees

at regular universities so they can study further. Health and life insurance cover for the

employees and their families, pension programs, petrol allowance, phone allowance, easy house

and car loan procurement programs are some other benefits that companies today offer.

3. Job security and respect

For most employees, job security is the greatest concern. Most companies today make sure that

the employees know that it regards them as its most valuable assets and laying them off during

turbulent times would be the very last option that they’d consider. Employees appreciate the

respect shown to them by senior employees.

4. Recognizing and appreciating a job well done:

Employees value it when their performance is recognized and praised. This inspires them to

work even harder next time. Employees appreciate fairness and impartiality in the workplace.

5. Providing training:

Training for additional knowledge and skills is a great motivator for many employees especially

those who are always craving to learn something new. This is not only motivates individuals but

also improves performance and productivity. Training allows for job rotation which reduces

monotony at the work place.

6. Keeping the lines of communication open:

It is necessary to make sure employees are kept in the loop when the information is relevant to

their work. They must feel free to discuss any doubts or problems that may have. Suggestions

from employees must also be welcomed as this has the twin advantages of making them feel

important while giving space for new ideas to evolve.

7. Keeping them informed:

The managers explain to the employees if priorities have changed, why had to change. This

strategy was used in many organizations in the recent economic slowdown. Instead of laying off

employees, many companies briefed the employees of all the steps they were taking to ensure

that no jobs were lost. It was found that employees were much more cooperative. Many offered

to take pay-cuts and most took it well when they came to know there wouldn’t be any bonuses or

promotions for sometime.

8. Giving them certain level of independence:

Most managers in today’s world understand that to keep their teams motivated and productive

they may need to shield them from any politics, panic or gloom, and give them more room for

innovating and professional independence in their respective domains.

9. Leading by example

One of the most widely used motivational strategies during the current economic downturn is

leading by example. The CEOs and other senior managers took pay cuts so that the lower

employees wouldn’t get laid-off. This caused the middle and lower employees not only to be

more cooperative but also to follow suit. As senior managers observe austerity, lower employees

also look for ways to cut costs and save money for the company.

10. No public criticism

Companies today make sure that no employee is rebuked in front of his co-workers. If there is a

discrepancy in the work, the dissatisfaction is communicated to the employee in clear terms

while not making personal comments or shouting at the employee. No employee is humiliated.

11. Counselors at work place

Counselors and life coaches are employed by companies so employees can discuss their

problems freely and learn to manage their emotions when troubled. This raises optimism levels

in the employees and they know that the company wants to take care of them.

12. Events and Fund-raisers

Companies organize charitable events and fund raisers where employees and their families can

socialize, thereby forging unity between employees. Such events also make the employees feel

good as they are contributing in some way to charity by way of their company.

13. Understanding the needs of the employees

Different employees have different social needs. The companies make sure that these needs are

addressed. Of late, paternal leave is granted to new fathers so that they can help their wives take

care of the new-born. Some employees may like to travel more than others; these employees

must be given the opportunity to, when possible.