Fast facts

• When employees feel that they are not appreciated at their job they may leave to find another job

• When employees are not committed to their jobs they are less productive which reduces profitability

Give positive feedback frequently

• Give positive feedback right away when someone does a good job.

• Focus on what is right rather than their mistakes

• Be aware of your negative comments, the suggested ratio is five positive comments to every one negative comment

• Provide encouragement when someone is trying to improve not only when they perform excellently

 Create a positive and supportive work environment

• Create positive relationships with team members.  Regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings, frequent feedback and provision of opportunities for growth can help a manager/leader accomplish this.

• Be a role model of work-life balance.  When stress at home translates to inefficiency at work the result is low productivity and performance which is not good for any company.

• Use high expectations to encourage success.  Giving employees the encouragement and support that motivates them to set high standards usually brings about better results because it lets them know that you have faith in what they are capable of accomplishing.

• Encourage employees to aim and achieve more than they did in the past so as to help them experience the feeling of success and encourage them to grow

 Give employees some control over how they do their work

• Avoid micromanaging, hold people accountable for following through with action plans

• Every employee should know what is expected of her or him.  Help them develop ownership of their goals and milestones so that they can increase their contributions to the company

• Listen to employees.  Get their ideas, encourage them to share and discuss ways to improve efficiency

• Amount of control and autonomy an employee is given should match with the level of responsibility and capabilities

Show employees they matter to you and the organization

• Help people see the big picture.  Help employees learn about the company’s work, products, competition and other important but not necessarily confidential issues.  This helps employees believe their contributing to the bigger company goals not just the part that involves their daily duties.

• Celebrate successes, progress and achievements often and in different ways.  An email to someone who has given extra effort on a project or put overtime helps keep the employee motivated.

• Find out how employees want to be recognized or rewarded for their hard work.

• Show employees that you care.  Employees feel more motivated when they know that their management is interested in bringing out the best in them. 

Note:  These tips apply to both government and private sector employees