Having loyal and motivated employees is what every company strives for. In order to fulfill and surpass client’s expectations, every manager works hard to find employees who will respect and honor the company’s values, and work hard to achieve its goals. In the end, those goals are mutual, and any loyal, hardworking employee is well aware of that.

However, even the most valuable employees sometimes lack motivation. That’s why managers must find a way to boost employee motivation in order to succeed. This is easier said than done, because each person is different, and some techniques might not work for all. But, there are certain ways you can motivate employees that everyone will appreciate.

Yearly or monthly bonuses can be considered motivation, however, if that’s the only thing you’re doing to motivate your employees, you risk losing them.

The company’s culture should be your number one.

If you’re not dedicated to your company’s culture, we suggest you start. A company’s culture is essential for many reasons. During your onboarding process, you should explain your company’s culture to your employees, and then live and work by those goals and values.

The best way for your employees to start respecting your company’s culture is to follow your example. If you’re teaching everyone your company’s values, but you’re not respecting them, it’s hard to believe that anyone else will. Treat your employees and clients with the same respect you want to be treated with. And most importantly, be a mentor to your employees. Lead by example.

If you’re dedicated to your company’s culture, others will be too. Your employees will be motivated and will work hard to achieve the company’s goals.

Communication is the key to employee motivation.

You should always be open with your employees, so they would respect you and the company, and truly feel like a part of the team. If your employees feel nervous or scared to come to you with any problem they might have, then you are doing something wrong.

Your employees should always feel free to come to you with anything they want to talk about. That’s how you’ll have loyal and motivated team members. It’s important to make your employees feel respected, and valuable and to let them know that their opinions matter.

Be transparent with them, and don’t hold any secrets. If it’s something they should know, be open about it and make sure they receive the information.

It is important for employees to feel like a part of a team, and by being transparent and open to suggestions you’re letting them know how much you value them.

Always show appreciation.

Would you work hard for a company that doesn’t show any appreciation to you? Of course, you wouldn’t.

As we’ve mentioned below, it is important you show your employees how valuable they are to you and the company. If an employee is staying overtime or working hard to reach your company’s goals, make sure you let them know that their effort is being recognized and that you are thankful to have them on your team.

In order to have motivated employees, you must appreciate them, show them you respect their hard work, communicate openly, and establish a company culture you’re proud of.

Snigdha Gupta

An avid writer and aspiring marketer, Snigdha is a student at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business.