Motivating employees can be a daunting task. Each business owner who is also an employer faces this task. Motivating employees does not have to be a hard task but it can be relatively easy.

Knowing what you want to achieve with your small business is the starting point. Your employees are your business and they are the ones who deliver the value to the customer and help you achieve your business goals and objectives. You need to ask yourself what is important for me and my employees. Is dedication to the job most important? Or maybe productivity is the key. Where does morale and loyalty fit into the equation? What employees expect from me? Just as you compete with your competitors to get new customers and more business you also compete with them to hire and retain the best talents for your business.

Here are some good motivational practices you can consider for developing your small business team: 

Ownership – Let employees take ownership in what they are doing such as job or project ownership. If the employee takes ownership of his or her job, the same employee will be motivated to achieve better results and will accept more responsibilities. Include your employee in the decision making process of the project, job or your business in general. Let them give you input in a positive atmosphere. Buy giving ownership to your employee you are creating a sense of trust.

Rewards – Reward employees when they achieve good results. This will motivate them to achieve another success in the future. Rewards are some of the greatest motivators. Reward does not have to be monetary so if you can afford to give monetary bonus you can afford to reward them with day off or flexible working schedule. As nice as monetary rewards are, some employees respond to different motivators. The following examples will explain.

Flexible Work Conditions – Some employers have found working around an employee’s family schedule is very helpful. Letting the employee bring a child to work on occasion when childcare is an issue can mean the difference of the employee calling off or coming into work. Allowing time off in the day for doctor appointments is another great motivator. All of these suggestions will foster loyalty to the employer, a greatly desired commodity in today’s world.

Community Involvement – Since the advent of September 11, 2001, we have seen a great upsurge in volunteerism in this country. The wise employer will help his employees get involved in helping with community projects. One very worthwhile venture to become allied with is Habitat for Humanity. The United Way is another great organization in which even small businesses can take part.  Local charities are always looking for volunteers. Helping others is a great way to feel good about one’s self and the employer who helps his employees attain this feeling is on his way to successfully motivating his team. 

Recognition - If an employer has hard working people he needs to recognize that hard work. By showing appreciation the manager can boost the self- confidence of the worker. This in turn will advance employee relations in the company. Sometimes all it takes is a pat on the back and a thank you to let a person know she has done a great job. Certificates of appreciation are very easy to make. It can be done with a simple computer program. The effect is powerful.  

Training and Proper Tools – Nothing is more frustrating to a person than to start a new job and receive no training and be told to just “jump in “ and start working.  By providing the proper training and tool with which to do the job employees will be more motivated to do a good job. There will be less frustration and strife in the workplace. Providing continuous job training is also important. Also making training fun and enjoyable will keep people motivated to learn. 

Communication and Feedback – Communication is essential in any relationship. The manager must communicate clearly what is expected of the employee. By carefully explaining duties and responsibilities, mistakes can be avoided.  Feedback is another tool the manager can use. It maybe uncomfortable to ask for employee feedback yet it can be truly enlightening. By understanding what drives a person’s actions, the employer can know what to do to keep his business running smoothly.  

Get to Know The Employees – By getting acquainted with the employee, the manager is creating a comfortable working atmosphere. The employer does not need to know intimate details. But by showing he cares, the employer will know how to help the employee be successful.  

Remember, employees are one of the company’s greatest assets. By keeping them motivated and happy with their jobs, they will in turn give great customer service and help the business to prosper.