Motivating Employees during the Recession

During the recession your employees may be concerned for their job security, particularly if there have already been redundancies. Keeping motivation and retaining talent is key to the business’s future success, and you may want to consider the following ideas:

• Separate morale (how people are feeling) from motivation (turning ability into productivity) and focus your attention on that.¬† By leading well, you can help even those with low morale to increase productivity.
• Do an employee survey to improve communication and discover ways to prepare for a future business upturn.
• Honesty about the challenges the company faces,and the implications for everyone, will help involve employees and generate a ‘pulling together’ approach.
• It’s important not to be too serious all the time. Having fun is motivational and energising.
• Encouraging your employees to instigate and be involved in process improvements is part of establishing yourself with a ‘good employer’ reputation.
• Focus on the positive, give feedback, and build on strengths.
• Developing leaders will help them to create the day to day work experience that fosters employee engagement.

It takes time but repays you with loyal, motivated staff.