It is crucial for managers to remember that employee motivation is one of the greatest gifts they can give.
The end of the year is infamously stressful. Employees juggle work with holiday expectations, and that can lead to them to feel overwhelmed and underappreciated. It is crucial for managers to remember that employee motivation is one of the greatest gifts they can give—and it’s relatively inexpensive. Regardless of an employee’s personality or work behaviors, everyone who works for you needs motivation from time to time. This is the time of year when most companies are giving performance reviews, which means that this is also the best opportunity for motivation.
There are many ways to show your gratitude for your employees’ work, and an appreciated employee is a productive employee. Instead of criticizing your employees, strive to help them develop their skills, and follow up with a motivational compliment or encouraging word. Employees will also appreciate a casual Monday during the holiday season. Little rewards or breaks from the norm let employees know that you relate to their needs and that you care about their well-being. Motivation is the gift that keeps on giving, so get in the holiday spirit and give back to those who work so hard.
For related reading and more tips on how to give the gift of motivation, read Rosabeth Moss Kanter’s article “12 Gifts for Cash-Short, Recession-Weary Workplaces”.
