24/01/2012 Time: 7:30
Motivational Rewards
Beyond the energy, the Kudos, the recognition, the support and the paycheck are tangible (and sometimes intangible) rewards and benefits. Yes, most people work because they must earn a living. The fortunate work at jobs they love - or at least like - in environments that make going to work a positive experience. So what else do they want?. And what about those who are not tuned in to or tuned on by their jobs, those who view going to work as one notch above or below going to the dentist? What can make them want to give their all?
Motivation is the provision of incentives to encourage performance. While what people want from work is situational, depending on the person, his needs and the rewards that are meaningful to him, giving people what they want from work is really quite straight forward.
People want mainly:
Control of their work inspires motivation: including such components as the ability to impact decisions; setting clear and measurable goals; clear responsibility for a complete, or at least defined, task; job enrichment; tasks performed in the work itself; and recognition for achievement.
To belong to the in-crowd creates motivation: including items such as receiving timely information and communication; understanding management's formulas for decision making; team and meeting participation opportunities; and visual documention and posting of work progress and accomplishments.
The opportunity for growth and development is motivational: and includes education and training; career paths; team participation; succession planning; cross-training; and field trips to successful workplaces.
Leadership is key in motivation. People want clear expectations that provide a picture of the outcomes desired with goal setting and feedback and an appropriate structure or framework.
Recognition for performance creates motivation. When recognition programs are planned intelligently and implemented with care, they are a proven method of enhancing performance, increasing motivation and building employee loyalty.
Key to creating a work environment that fosters motivation are the wants and needs of the individual. Employees emotionally committed to the organization have higher performance than those who are not and are absent less. Fewer quit their jobs. Employees develop emotional commitment when they believe the organization and their supervisor care about them. Pay attention to what is important to the people you employ for high motivation and positive morale. You'll achieve awesome business success.
