Seven Simple Actions that Build Employee Motivation

Thoughtfully motivating employees requires focused energy and a diverse set of motivational strategies and tools.  There are also simple activities that can support employee motivation. Here’s a list of opportunities to motivate others. Commit to them, and you will see positive outcomes in both the short and long term.

  1. Say “thank you.” Everyone is motivated by feeling appreciated. Be specific about what you are grateful for and explicitly acknowledge the positive impact the person had.
  2. Use formal and informal rewards. Consider a multi-tier award system, ranging from simple recognition notes and gifts, to more formal awards like spot bonuses, certificates and plaques. Share recognitions with more senior people in the organization, so your staff knows that their work is noticed.
  3. Talk about successes and impacts. When the group achieves something important – like meeting a sales goal or performance measure, openly share that success and talk about impacts.
  4. Provide development opportunities. Learn about your employee’s goals and provide them with development tools that support them. These could include stretch assignments, training or shadowing opportunities.
  5. Ask for help. Many people are motivated by feeling needed and valued. Ask for someone’s help and explain why you are asking.
  6. Set high standards. High levels of motivation lead to commitment and high levels of quality. One strategy for motivating employees is to set high standards for quality and insist that people meet them – be sure to demonstrate confidence that they can achieve great things, and people will find a way.
  7. Take a break. In addition to motivating others, you also need to take care of and motivate yourself. Think about what YOU most need to feel motivated – if you are feeling motivated, then you are more likely to shape motivation in others.

Employee motivation is not a static state – it must be continuously renewed and refreshed. Employee motivation takes sustained commitment and strategic investment.  Simple steps like the ones above will add meaning and value to the employee experience – and motivation will increase as a result.

Choose a Seminar and Save $10

The Leadership Conference

2 Days Conference

  • CEU: 1.2
  • CPE: 12

Team Training - Virtual or In-person

Training image for The Leadership Conference

Styles & Strategies to Supervise Effectively

(275)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6

Team Training - Virtual or In-person

Training image for Styles & Strategies to Supervise Effectively

Spark Innovation and Think Strategically

(155)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6

Team Training - Virtual or In-person

Training image for Spark Innovation and Think Strategically

Leadership Skills

(46)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6

Team Training - Virtual or In-person

Training image for Leadership Skills

How to Manage Remote Employees

(53)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • HRCI: 5.5
  • PDC: 6

Team Training - Virtual or In-person

Training image for How to Manage Remote Employees

Transitioning to Supervisor

(4008)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 20

  • Mar 26

  • Mar 27

  • + 40 more dates

In-Person Events:

  • Apr 1, Orlando, FL
  • Apr 2, Nashville, TN

  • + 11 more dates

Training image for Transitioning to Supervisor

Leadership & Management Skills for Women

(2245)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 20

  • Mar 26

  • Mar 28

  • + 13 more dates

Training image for Leadership & Management Skills for Women

Overcoming Negativity

(544)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 26

  • Apr 4

  • Apr 9

  • + 4 more dates

Training image for Overcoming Negativity

How to Supervise Bad Attitudes and Negative Behaviors

(1953)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • HRCI: 5.5
  • PDC: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 27

  • Apr 1

  • Apr 9

  • + 16 more dates

Training image for How to Supervise Bad Attitudes and Negative Behaviors

Facilities Management - A 2-Day Comprehensive Course

(488)

2 Days

  • CEU: 1.2
  • CPE: 12

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 19-20

  • Mar 25-26

  • Mar 27-28

  • + 26 more dates

Training image for Facilities Management - A 2-Day Comprehensive Course

Criticism & Discipline Skills for Managers and Supervisors

(1617)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • HRCI: 5.5
  • PDU: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 19

  • Mar 24

  • Mar 25

  • + 14 more dates

Training image for Criticism & Discipline Skills for Managers and Supervisors

Leadership, Team-Building and Coaching Skills for Managers and Supervisors

(4518)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • HRCI: 5.5
  • PDC: 6
  • PDU: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 19

  • Mar 20

  • Mar 21

  • + 41 more dates

In-Person Events:

  • Mar 20, Anaheim, CA
  • Mar 24, Washington, DC

  • + 16 more dates

Training image for Leadership, Team-Building and Coaching Skills for Managers and Supervisors

Management & Leadership Skills for New Managers and Supervisors (2-Day)

(931)

2 Days

  • CEU: 1.2
  • CPE: 12

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 19-20

  • Mar 24-25

  • Mar 26-27

  • + 32 more dates

In-Person Events:

  • Mar 20-21, Houston, TX
  • Apr 3-4, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

  • + 21 more dates

Training image for Management & Leadership Skills for New Managers and Supervisors (2-Day)

How to Supervise People

(2166)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • PDC: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 19

  • Mar 20

  • Mar 24

  • + 27 more dates

Training image for How to Supervise People

The Management Conference

(405)

2 Days

  • CEU: 1.2
  • CPE: 12

Virtual Seminar:

  • Mar 20-21

Training image for The Management Conference

A Crash Course for the First-Time Manager or Supervisor

(2372)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • HRCI: 5.5
  • PDC: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 21

  • Mar 25

  • Apr 1

  • + 25 more dates

In-Person Events:

  • Jun 13, Phoenix, AZ
  • Jun 18, New York, NY

  • + 2 more dates

Training image for A Crash Course for the First-Time Manager or Supervisor

How to Improve Employee Accountability with Remote and In-Person Teams

(326)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • PDU: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 21

  • Mar 26

  • Mar 27

  • + 4 more dates

Training image for How to Improve Employee Accountability with Remote and In-Person Teams

How Managers Become Great Leaders

(893)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Mar 31

  • Apr 9

  • Apr 10

  • + 14 more dates

In-Person Events:

  • Mar 19, San Jose, CA
  • Mar 27, Orlando, FL

  • + 1 more dates

Training image for How Managers Become Great Leaders

The Indispensable Office Manager

(281)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Apr 3

  • Apr 8

  • Apr 9

  • + 9 more dates

Training image for The Indispensable Office Manager

Managing with Assertive Confidence

(651)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Apr 4

  • Apr 8

  • Apr 16

  • + 5 more dates

Training image for Managing with Assertive Confidence

Be the Manager Your Employees Want to Follow

(781)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6
  • CPE: 6
  • PDC: 6

Virtual Seminars:

  • May 5

  • May 8

  • May 14

  • + 5 more dates

Training image for Be the Manager Your Employees Want to Follow

The Exceptional Team Leader

(467)

1 Day

  • CEU: 0.6

Virtual Seminars:

  • Jun 3

  • Jun 9

  • Jun 18

  • + 1 more dates

Training image for The Exceptional Team Leader

Related content

Building Inclusiveness: One Conversation at a Time

Three Management Success Books

Women in Leadership

How to Delegate Effectively

Building Balance in a Company Culture

Shaping Change In Your Organization: A Better Change Management Plan