Top 5 Ways to Motivate Underperforming Employees

Article Contributed by Jessica Francisco

It was never a secret that the employees of your organization are one of your greatest assets. They are the foundation of the business. If not for them, the business wouldn’t be operating. It has always been a challenge for all managers and leaders of organization to ensure utmost performance of their personnel. Their performance dictates what the business can do and what they can offer to their customers. The way your employees carry out their work is one of the largest contributing factor for your business’ long term success. In this article, you’ll learn some ways on how you can motivate and boost the morale of your employees for them to perform better.

Below are the Top 5 ways that you could look into to uplift your employees’ work habits:

5. Coaching Programs

Nothing beats open communication. Talk to your employees religiously. Initiating a conversation with them will feed their need of self-significance. They will feel that they belong to the team, that they are important and that their actions are valued by you, being their boss or leader. Through this you’ll be able to identify the problem/s. Would they need more trainings or a lifestyle change perhaps? Address what needs to be changed and implement the solution you think would best eradicate the problem. Constant communication is an essential part of motivation.

4. Goal Setting/Direction

Ensure that your employees know what is expected from them. Often times employees work thinking that what they’re doing is enough but actually it isn’t. They need to know what your standard is for the word, “enough.” You need to set realistic goals for them to attain. Don’t set goals that are impossible for them to accomplish. Before setting goals for them, always make sure that they have what it takes and what they need to attain it. Equip them through guidance and coaching. The direction of their work is also important for them. Make sure that the work you give them is where they are good at. If not, the tendency is that they won’t perform as you expect them to.

3. Incentives Program

Reward your employees for the job well done. They need to feel that they are appreciated. Rewarding top performers will not only boost their morale and motivate them but will also challenge other employees to do the same. Always express your appreciation to what they’ve done for the company. Your actions speak more than your words. A tap on their shoulder or a handshake from you would let them feel they are valued and that they’re important in the company. Give them bonuses and additional goods like insurance, rice or food etc.

2. Compensation

Money has a huge factor in your employees’ performance. It can be compared to the fuel of the car; it is what makes them do their work. Money is their fuel. Employees definitely need proper compensation to fulfil themselves with their wants and needs in life. After all, it is one of the reasons, if not their primary reason, to work. Compensate them through car grants, insurance, health and wellness benefits, travel opportunities and professional training.

1. Lead in Front

Your employees need to see you. A study conducted by Elton Mayo called the Hawthorne Experiment, proved that fervent supervision and concern for employees boosts their morale and enthusiasm at work. Your being visible to your employees would let them feel that you’re serious in what you do and with what you want to see from them. Your leadership should be a demonstration of what you are expecting from your employees. Through this, you’ll not only be able to motivate them but also earn respect and authority from your employees.

The performance of your employees highly depends on your leadership. Being their leader, you should know how and what will motivate them. Be open-minded, accept your infirmities and admit your faults. Arguably the best type of leadership is leadership by example. Manifest what you want to see from your employees. Just as a child would emulate his/her parents, so too will your employees in hopes of becoming leaders someday.

About the Author
Jessica Francisco is a cheerful 25-year-old with an odd sense of fun. The least of her broad range of hobbies include swimming, hiking and listening to the music of Michael Jackson. Jessica is also one of the editors of Luke Roxas.