How to help employees with low motivation

KATHMANDU, Feb 16: Different employees have different degrees of motivation depending on their personalities or their needs from the job. It's not possible for all employees to always be very motivated or highly ambitious. If there are some members of staff who seem to struggle with low motivation at work, you should consider how you can help them be more focused and inspired. Your job as the boss is to ensure that your team gives their best to the task at hand.

First of all, talk to them and see what they feel they are lacking at work—whether they're having problems with the pay scale, work hours, or the kind of work they're doing. Try to tackle these problems. In case they're still apathetic, try these tips.

Take time to know your employees

A team consists of different types of individuals. Invest some time in getting to know your team members/employees. If they are quiet individuals, they are more likely to appreciate one on one conversations rather than large group meetings. For extroverted individuals, try to publicly acknowledge their efforts and works. But it's most important to remember to let them know that they are valued.

Listen to them

An important step toward motivating others is to be a better listener. Don't simply launch into a speech without giving them the chance to say something. When you ask them questions, let it be open-ended and listen carefully when they answer. Listen to your employees' thoughts and opinions, and ask them their career aspirations, however, big or small.

Encourage them to achieve

Your job doesn't end at asking them to share their goals. As the boss, you should also encourage them to work toward achieving those goals. If an employee wants to be better at giving presentations, persuade them to take classes to improve in that area. If another employee has shared his goal about wanting to lead a team someday, you can perhaps give him small tasks that will help him in the future.

Provide opportunities for achievement

Once you have worked with someone for a couple of years, you will naturally learn their strengths and weaknesses. If you feel that a particular employee would be better suited to do something else or is ready for a more challenging role then don't hesitate to give them that opportunity. Make sure, however, that the task matches their skills and abilities. Letting employees bask in a sense of achievement is a good way of motivating them.

Be generous with appreciation

Don't shy away from giving credit where it's due. Even if a project fails or doesn't get the feedback that you were hoping for, acknowledge your employees' contributions. You can send them an email with words of appreciation, or you can recognize their efforts publicly at the weekly meetings.

Make sure they know that you are willing to help

Your members of staff might not necessarily want your help but it's always a good thing to let them know that you are willing to help them. This will create a positive energy in the office.