For some people, a job is there to serve one purpose – to earn money that can be used to cover bills and fund the more enjoyable purchases. However, for those driven in their careers and development, there are many reasons why a job is beneficial and why they are motivated to get up each morning to go to work.
The average person is estimated to spend over 90,000 hours in their lifetime at work and so may need some motivation along the way – especially on a Monday morning. Here, we take a look at some of the ways employees remain motivated by work and what you should consider implementing in your business to encourage positivity and further development in the workplace.
Motivation One: The opportunity to make a difference
One of the biggest motivations of work is to make a difference. Imagine if the likes of Marie Curie decided to stop her research. She was motivated to make a difference in the world, and that she did. Her “relentless resolve and insatiable curiosity” helped to change our understanding of radioactivity.
A job that gives employees a project to take control of, challenges them, is rewarding and ultimately makes a difference in their industry or the world around them, can help to motivate them to reach the end goal. Encourage employees to look at the bigger picture, share good results and ensure they see how their work impacts the wider business.
Motivation Two: Learning something new
It’s human instinct to want to learn something new. Most babies, for example, have the instinct and capacity to learn a new language when they’re born. An employee can be driven by the opportunity to learn a new skill or enhance and adapt one which has already been achieved.
Those employees who strive to develop and learn new skills may be more motivated by a job that offers regular training sessions and courses. As an employer, it’s a good idea to put a training plan in place offering people the opportunity to learn on the job and develop their skill set.
Motivation Three: Sharing knowledge
As well as them learning something new, it can also be motivating to pass that knowledge on. Becoming a mentor or ambassador to help others develop skills can help to motivate not only individuals but teams as a whole. And vice versa; attending seminars and listening to others share their knowledge of how they worked hard until they reached their goal can also be encouraging.
Consider hosting events where people within your business can share their knowledge and experiences or look into an external, motivational speaker who can come in and present a talk that will inspire your workforce.
Motivation Four: Making connections
Research last year revealed that 82% of people would consider someone they work with ‘a friend’. Meeting new people and developing friendships can be encouraging and motivational to the workforce. A YouGov poll revealed that three in 10 millennials always or often feel lonely – this means the office could be more than just a place to work to them. It’s where they get to talk to someone and form connections which can then be developed outside of working hours.
Encourage or organise events outside of working hours so that team members can connect on a personal level and maintain friendships.
Motivation Five: Progression and development
Humans have a desire to succeed and can feel more motivated by having the opportunity to climb the ladder and progress at work. Whether it’s the thought of a pay rise, change of job title or new office – the opportunity to progress can be a huge motivator at work.
Set up a progression plan for each team in your business, this ensures people know where they’re aiming for in terms of development and work with managers to set out goals that can be implemented on a day to day basis.
Motivation Six: A sense of belonging
Like food and shelter, a sense of belonging is something every human needs. Feeling like part of a team, part of something bigger, where everyone is sharing a common goal and willing to put in 100% to achieve it is a key motivator.
Comradery is important in a business, encourage in house events and celebrations to help people feel like they are part of something bigger. Treat everyone as equal, remove hierarchical seating plans and systems and encourage open and honest conversation across the board.
Whether it’s climbing the career ladder, making new friends or learning a new skill, there are many different ways that employees can remain motivated by work. Now it’s time to consider these motivators and how you can incorporate them into your business to create a happier work environment.
