The success behind any company is a productive workforce. Unfortunately, this does not happen overnight or naturally – it is going to take a lot of hard work on your part. It takes a lot of ongoing efforts as management, to keep your employees motivated, engaged, and happy because even the smartest, most skilled employees will need to be motivated. Remember that negativity can flow through an organization just as fast as positive energy – if you are not careful, the productivity of your workforce can easily wane if you do not keep up your efforts. A little work on your part can help to keep up your productivity and bottom line for many years to come.

Simple Ways to Keep Employees Engaged

Employees want to know that they are valued and do not pose simply as dollar signs in your eyes. They are, in fact, human beings with lives too and they want to feel that way in every aspect of their work lives. It does not take a whole lot of work on your part to make your employees feel this way and going that extra step will make them feel valued:

• Have an open door policy – Employees need to know that they can come to you for anything and that you will be willing to listen. The reasons they could come to you could be as broad as having a new idea to implement or to problem solve an issue with a co-worker in private. The key is that you are there for them and reserve judgement or harsh words as they share their concerns with you.
• Be visible – No one likes management that hides behind closed doors. It makes you seem ominous, making those that are less than brave hide behind their fears and not come to you for any issues or concerns. You want a workforce that is open and honest, which means you need to be out there with them, laughing, smiling, and checking in often.
• Provide motivational speakers – The right motivational speaker can elicit an unexplained energy throughout your workplace. The key is finding one that relates to your industry and the climate of your environment. If there is an issue running rampant throughout the organization, bringing a well-timed speaker in can help to lighten things up or maybe you want a speaker that helps to bring a little fun and excitement to the environment. You are there day-to-day, so make the right choice and help pep up your employees.
• Provide rewards – Work can mean a little time for play too. Let your employees know that they are valuable by putting together occasional cocktail hours or dinners. This is a great way to enlist comradery while at the same time, boosting morale at work. Don’t we all work betterwhen we have a buddy by our side?

Don’t Forget Feedback

We all need feedback in our lives to see how we are doing and where we can better ourselves. Rather than letting employees wander around in the same rut, help them by providing constructive criticism from time to time along with the well-deserved applause when something goes right. Make sure employees realize that performance reviews are not just to put them under the spotlight to tell them what they are doing wrong, but it is a time to recognize their accomplishments and to brainstorm together on how to decrease their weaknesses in order to make everyone more productive. Feedback can be offered in the following ways:

• Regular performance reviews
• Contests with a proven winner
• Celebration of goals met during specific times of the year
• Regular discussions on the accomplishments made throughout the company
• Rewards for accomplishments achieved
• Company meetings

If you feel like you are behind the eight ball, it is not too late to get your employees motivated once again. There are many ways that you can start right now, getting their spirits up and their motivation levels higher. Some methods do not even cost a penny; for example, becoming more present in the organization does not cost you anything, yet it can be very morale boosting for employees. At first, they might be a little apprehensive, wondering why the “big boss” is suddenly roaming around, but once it becomes the norm, you will be a welcome sight to your employees, as they realize you are there to cheer them on.

Today the workforce is a team effort – it is no longer about individual achievements. When you work hard to get your employees connected, motivated, and feeling good, you will have a more productive workforce overall. Provide motivational speakers from time to time; reward your employees for a job well-done; and make sure to be out there and excited for your employees and you will be able to have a workforce with high motivation which translates into a productive workforce.

How do you keep a productive workforce? Let us know in the comments below!