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ALL THIS MONTH, as part of its ongoing small and medium enterprise (SME) focus, TheJournal.ie has been looking at the key issues of setting goals and keeping staff working together – and how getting these things right can make a big difference to a business.
We’ve already heard from one successful startup, Dublin-based CurrencyFair, now an established player in the foreign exchange trade, about the importance of having a happy workplace.
Its co-founder and chief executive Brett Meyers said he thought it was “hugely” important that staff enjoyed their work and that they were given clear objectives while being kept clear of stifling bureaucracy.
Earlier, we looked at how “likeable” leaders also tended to be judged the most effective, although “sharing a vision” with workers was also an important motivator.
But money and promotion opportunities are also big drivers for staff and regularly top the reasons why employees are dissatisfied and shop around for other jobs.
A recent Hays Ireland survey found the majority of workers cited those problems as their reason for wanting to change roles, compared to a much smaller share who simply didn’t like their job.
So there are many, interlinking factors in keeping workers productive and on track – but what do you think is the best way to keep staff motivated and working in the right direction:
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None of the above really… Just being valued and having your contributions noted, appreciated along with the occasional thanks.
Manners, respect and encouragement. This applies to both management and subordinates. Give respect, gain respect.
Don’t BS them… end of….
I don’t think a boss should be necessarily “likeable”, but he or she should at least be fair and listen to their subordinates’ concerns.
None of the above. One of the most important ones is missing: development and learning opportunities whether internal or through external providers fully or partially paid for by the employer depending on the course(s).
Where I work we have a bar. It’s free. And on Fridays we are all encouraged to stay there for a few hours and socialise. They order us food and we eat a bit, drink a bit, and head out to a local pub after a bit. Sadly there is no option for that.
Is that you Enda? ;)
Some years ago I worked for a company that had a free bar in a pub on Friday evenings. One employee, who hadn’t had much to drink, crashed on the way home. They sued the company, on the basis that the company had provided the environment in which the employee had drunk over the limit (which was never established as they weren’t breathalysed) They won the case and received a significant payment. That was the end of the free bar.
No multiple choice?
Cold hard cash
Anyone who voted “Bonuses/Financial Incentives” doesn’t know the first thing about modern-day management.
Depends on the sort of employees you recruit. This is not HR-babble. The sort of person you want on a construction site is completely different from the one you want doing your accounts. Too many people try to recruit either clones of themselves or people who won’t challenge them. Then they get disappointed with the motivations of their employees.
If is all about the money I would go to Dubai, but as is not just all about the money I choose not to as I know I’ll be unhappy in there even if I’m financially better off.
You left off having a horsewhip to hand.
Treat your staff the way you would like to be treated simple as
Financial incentives work best.
Not getting paid enough causes disincentive, but paying more does not create an incentive.
To motivate staff you have to ensure the work itself is rewarding and fulfilling, that employees are recognised for good work and that there is room for personal growth.
Human beings did not evolve to respond to financial incentives.
Would you work harder if there was a financial bonus? Or would you would harder if you were treated better. If your being treated badly, why would you stay anyway?
I left a better paid job last year as it was making me absolutely miserable. It was first time I could say I was worried about my mental health, I was not eating or sleeping properly. I would wake in panic thinking about work.
It genuinely got to the point where I felt it took over my life. I could never ever switch off and cried constantly. I am a usually a confident person enough but that role severely dented by confidence and self esteem.
So I left without another job but luckily was not waiting long. In the new role 7 months and absolutely happy out, have no intention leaving.
The point I want to make is while money is important being happy and comfortable where you work in essential. No money in world is worth feeling like that. Your mental health is priceless
All of the above perhaps.
Bj.
Happy workplace is a bit of a stupid question, I’ve never met an unhappy person that was motivated, bit of chicken and egg scenario
Money money money and more God damn money, Tra la la la la
Easy. Get that gorgeous blonde working in the staff canteen. Would do wonders for morale.
Of course, all the men would drink far too much coffee….
A whip or sex or even both? lol.
A cash incentive only works for repetitive work. If the works actually constructive cash doesn’t come into the question.
have your say