Hi I’m Nicola from The People Mentor and in today’s podcast, I want to talk about how to motivate your team to be more productive. 

This is a big topic, because of the times we are living and working in currently. All around us, there’s worry, uncertainty, fatigue, and many people are simply just fed up. 

Many people will be struggling to be motivated and productive right now, and as a manager, this makes your task that bit tougher. 

It’s up to you to motivate employees and make them feel inspired on a daily basis. Motivation drives productivity, so motivating your team should be at the top of your to-do list. 

But how do you know what will work when people are feeling tired and flat?

How can you motivate people to be more productive when almost every single person will be motivated by something different?

Here’s how to motivate your team to be more productive, get everyone pulling in the same direction, and achieve your goals together. 

First, you need to share your vision with your team and inspire them with it. If things feel up in the air right now, it’s even more important that your team are clear on the direction they are going in and what they are working towards. 

Set some clear and measurable goals that your team can work on, always keeping the ultimate goal in mind and in view. If everyone feels like they are pulling together to achieve goals, it can be very motivating, and they’ll feel like they are an important part of something bigger than them. This is great for productivity. 

So set goals, and communicate your vision…the key word here is to communicate. This is important at any time, not just during difficult times. 

Effective communication is all about ideas, opinions, concerns, information, and feedback being shared both ways. If you don’t communicate with your employees or give them feedback, how are they supposed to be kept in the loop or know that they are doing well?

A lack of communication is a nail in the coffin when it comes to motivation, and when motivation is affected, so is productivity. 

Talk to your team, be available, be approachable, and make people involved in the business and what is going on. You’ll have a far more motivated and productive team, I promise you. 

Giving praise is often overlooked, but don’t underestimate the power of recognising a job well done when it comes to keeping people motivated and productive. Especially when times are tough, a thank you whether in person or via email has the potential to transform someone’s day. 

Think about the last time someone said to you ‘thank you for your great work’ and showed you that you were appreciated. How did that make you feel? Did you want to work hard and do better for them? 

Exactly. 

If you give praise and be specific about how what they’ve done has helped benefit the business, this will make people feel like a valued part of something bigger than themselves, and they’ll be able to envisage being part of the company’s future. 

And remember that rewards and praise aren’t just limited to verbal recognition, you can show your appreciation for your team with other tokens of appreciation like gifts or tokens to show you care and value their hard work and support. 

There’s nothing worse for motivation and productivity than making people feel like they are just a number, so be sure you make people feel appreciated, valued, and considered at every opportunity.

If people feel valued, they’ll create value for you. 

Another great way to make people feel valued is to encourage them to learn, grow, and develop. 

Feeling like there’s no room to grow or develop their career kills motivation and productivity, and eventually, people will want to head for new pastures, especially your best and brightest. 

Make performance reviews strengths-based, and make training and development opportunities available that match an employee’s strengths and future goals. This could mean giving them more responsibility, allowing them to work in another department temporarily, giving them access to further training, or mentoring them. 

The goal is to make your team feel like you really do want them to do well and that you have their best interests at heart. Your people are your most valuable asset, and when they grow and develop, they become even more valuable to the business. 

Success comes from recognising people’s strengths and helping them meet their potential, and harnessing this to take the business forward. 

In successful businesses, there is almost always a clear feeling of ‘being a team. ’ If people feel like they belong, they are valued, and they are working towards a common goal, they will always be more motivated, engaged, and productive. 

What creates a sense of being a team in your workplace? Is this something you need to work on? 

Encourage people to get to know each other, not necessarily very personally, but everyone should know each other’s roles, responsibilities, and strengths. 

This can make collaboration, decision-making, and teamwork happen much more smoothly. 

And lastly, one thing that no manager should forget. 

Your team members are not robots, and they are people.

People who need to be made to feel comfortable, happy, and motivated when they come into work. 

People who will work harder for you if you care about their wellbeing. 

Focus on providing opportunities to exercise, relax, and eat well. Consider setting up a team walking group or relaxation class, and make sure there are healthy options available in the canteen and in vending machines.

Bring in initiatives focused on improving mental health. 

Help people improve their work-life balance. This could involve you as a manager setting a good example by taking your breaks, making sure you use your annual leave, and not giving out the message that people need to come in early and stay late to be considered as great employees. 

Looking after your team members’ wellbeing is a fundamental part of keeping their energy and motivation high while reducing their stress. Under these conditions, people will do their best work. 

Keeping your team motivated and productive is not easy, but you can create the conditions for your team to thrive. This is one of your most important tasks as a manager. 

How equipped do you feel to keep your team motivated and productive?

Disengagement and low morale happen in the workplace, but do you know how to turn it around, or are you struggling to motivate your people and get them on board with changes that need to happen to realise the business vision?

Do you need help but feel nervous at the thought of spending any money right now?

Ask yourself: If you don’t act, what will change?

Investing in getting some help will help your team and the business grow and develop, and the result will be better performing, more productive and profitable teams who want to work together for the good of the business.

Want to know what’s possible?

You can book a call below. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and I’ll see you next time.

This is The People Mentor signing out.