There’s a pervasive notion that only one thing truly motivates employees: cold hard cash. ‘The more you pay, the more I will do.’ they say, correlating higher performance with a fatter paycheck. However, the truth is, that money alone doesn’t sustain the daily grind of doing one’s best.
While competitive salaries are undeniably crucial, they only create a temporary spike in performance. Soon, employees revert to old habits, and the workplace loses the spark. The key lies in paying them enough to eradicate worries about their compensation, shifting their focus to the challenges they are here to solve.
Underpayment, on the other hand, breeds discontent, making money the sole concern. It’s a precarious situation. The real driver isn’t just the cash; here are some key drivers to keep your team motivated and productive.
CONNECTION
Cash isn’t just the driving force. What drives them is when they feel a sense of connection.
– Clear Big Vision: your team needs to get a compelling vision of your organization, aligning their aspirations with the larger purpose.
– Understand Personal Goals: take time to know their personal goals. Like achievements, experiences, and family aspirations, and invest time in helping them shape these goals.
CAPABILITIES
You need to find a way to help their capability. It’s a two-way relationship. You need to contribute to their growth.
Go beyond job-related skills. Provide training and mentoring for professional growth and focus on interpersonal and life skills. Transform not only professionals but also human beings.
CARE
Shift your perspective from viewing team members as mere resources to considering them as individuals contributing to a shared vision. Always reflect on these questions:
– Fair Workplace: Evaluate if your workplace is fair in terms of rewards, incentives, recognition, and overall culture.
– Work-Life Balance: don’t make your workplace display a narrative like “work is your life”. Always remember employees have a life outside work. You can’t just exploit people to get work done. You need to take their life seriously beyond work so you can attract, retain, and build a highly motivated workforce.
– Celebration: High performers leave when their efforts go unnoticed. Acknowledge achievements; let them know they are valued contributors. Celebration fuels motivation and boosts performance.
In conclusion, it’s time to look beyond the paycheck. Cultivate an environment where connection, personal growth, and genuine care are the driving forces. After all, it’s not just about making better professionals; it’s about nurturing better human beings.
