Every organization wants to be one where productivity soars and results exceed expectations. Spoiler, that is never achieved by forcing employees to do more with less. It's achieved by investing in your people. When employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged their dedication and enthusiasm will naturally translate into exceptional performance.
In a competitive market, this gives your business a crucial edge. One of the easiest ways to earn your team’s emotional buy-in is with an effective employee recognition program. Let’s explore how motivating employees through recognition can impact business and drive results.
2 Types of Employee Motivation
There are two types of motivation at work: intrinsic and extrinsic. Motivating employees effectively requires a deep understanding of each:
Intrinsic Motivation is Internal
Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal satisfaction and personal fulfillment. It's the motivation that comes from enjoying the process of completing a task itself. For example, if you’re good at certain tasks, the pleasure derived from your competence likely motivates you to succeed.
On the other hand, if you struggle with a task, your motivation will likely wane. This type of work motivation is directly linked to personal satisfaction and achievement.
Extrinsic Motivation is External
Extrinsic motivation comes from external sources. It’s typically driven by specific goals and rewards like bonuses, promotions, or public recognition. Unlike intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation requires consistent reinforcement to remain effective. Properly managing extrinsic motivation is fundamental to a positive workplace environment and high productivity.
Effective recognition and strategic employer branding underpin an employee’s future with the company. This type of work motivation is directly linked to how others treat an employee.
Discover: Effective Workplace Recognition Practices
Managing Employee Motivation: Challenges & Solutions
Motivating your employees is a key driver of overall business performance. But if not done strategically, it can have unintended consequences. Below are the most common challenges to keep in mind:
High Cost
Some motivational strategies like bonuses and rewards can be expensive for companies. If not managed properly, these incentives can even lead to employee resentment. To better manage your staff's motivation, consider consulting an expert like Accolad. We specialize in employee, client, and partner recognition through personalized, affordable gifts.
Unhealthy Competition
A poorly managed recognition program could lead to unhealthy competition among employees. This can create a tense work environment and reduce collaboration. Ultimately, it hurts productivity, which is counterproductive.
Possibility of Injustice
Sometimes, reward systems are considered unfair by employees. If not managed correctly, this can also cause resentment and reduce motivation instead of increasing it.
4 Easy Ways to Motivate Employees
Several key factors can help maintain employee motivation and ensure your company’s success. Here are four top tips to acheive desired results:
Improve Work-Life Balance
Avoid rigid schedules because “that’s how we’ve always done it”. Flexible work is a great way to boost employee satisfaction by aligning with their needs.
For example, consider shortening lunch breaks to allow an earlier end to the workday. Many employees also appreciate working extended hours from Monday to Thursday in exchange for free time on Friday afternoons. These simple adjustments can help your team balance their professional, personal, and family lives.
Also read: How to Prevent & Avoid Burnout in the Workplace
Employee Recognition
Acknowledging and praising people for a job well done has a significant positive impact on their motivation. HR can foster a pleasant work environment by recognizing each person’s achievements in a way that aligns with their personal preferences and values.
Career Development Opportunities
One of the strongest motivators for employees is the opportunity for career advancement. Providing training and development opportunities within the company through courses and activities facilitates professional growth and keeps employees engaged. This technique is one of the most effective because it allows employees to progress within the company.
Set Clear & Achievable Goals
Employees are more effective when their goals are clear and attainable. Regularly communicating these goals, whether collectively or individually, enhances their involvement and commitment.
Successfully Boost Employee Motivation With Accolad
When employees receive thoughtful and personalized gifts from superiors, they feel appreciated and valued for their contributions. This recognition can significantly boost their engagement and motivation at work. Accolad offers a comprehensive solution to manage employee recognition effectively.
Giving gifts in person to a select few employees can lead to conflicts. To avoid this, we provide an automated recognition system for all your employees. With a user-friendly dashboard, you can send personalized gifts with just a click.
Nothing could be easier: the self-service platform allows you to send a discount code to your employees in less than 5 minutes. They can then use their code in the Accolad Rewards Boutique to get a gift card of their choice that suits their needs. They can also add a personalized message to the chosen card to make it even more special.
How does it work? Simply import your employees' data, track their progress, and offer them the perfect gift on special occasions. Accolad also offers a variety of affordable gifts, which can be personalized with text, colors, and other engaging elements.
Have a unique idea? Contact us now, and we’ll bring it to life.