Happy workers are productive workers. A vital element of a well-performing workplace is a positive atmosphere. Staff who feel valued, give more – simples!
Ensuring a motivated and positive environment is challenging because the modern office is made up of a diverse array of personality types, a rich mixture of cultures and genders, complicated by hierarchies, work politics and rules. It comes from the top. If those in positions of power are not leading by example or conscientious of their workforce, then it is little wonder that the lack of enthusiasm from employees, generated by a general disregard by their superiors will result in negative vibes and poor performances. In a dynamic, pressured, daily changing working environment where delivering results normally counts more than thinking of the office atmosphere, it is easy to get caught up in the operational functions of daily demands and therefore be oblivious to the feelings and needs of others.
Well, today is Employee Motivation Day 2016, a day created by Argos for Business to inspire passion and appreciation across the country’s workforce. The leading provider of incentive and motivational solutions is hosting this annual event to encourage all organisations to put motivation to the forefront of business thinking and champion creative ways of engaging staff.
The nationwide survey conducted by Argos for Business, shows that:
- Britain’s over-55s have been identified as the most motivated group of workers
- 42 per cent motivated every day
- Less than a quarter of millennials share the same drive.
- Millennials are set to form 50 per cent of the global workforce by 2020, understanding their motivators and implementing a motivational strategy to help them perform at their best, will impact positively on businesses and the wider economy.
Delving into employee motivation levels, there is a clear disparity in motivational drivers between the age groups. Only a third of younger employees enjoy working as part of a team, in comparison to over a half of all other workers who appreciate the camaraderie of their teammates. And perhaps yet to adjust to the ways of work, younger teammates already hope to experience a different way of working with 34 per cent keen to work alone rather than part of a group, a stark contrast to the mere eight per cent of over 55s who would like to operate solo.
Conducted to better understand what motivates Brits in their nine to five, the research also revealed the impact of praise and recognition in the workplace, with a personal ‘thank you’ by a manager or director identified as the top motivational factor in helping all UK employees feel engaged.
Verbal recognition from a peer ranked far higher across the board (33 per cent) than performance related bonuses, or extra holidays, which motivated only seven per cent of Brits. Verbal praise is the most motivational for millennials in particular, with two fifths preferring positive feedback to financial rewards, which only drives a mere three per cent of younger employees. Overall, one in 10 UK workers state they are more likely to remain in a company long-term if they are regularly praised.
Looking at the UK workforce as a whole, 30 per cent of teams feel motivated just three days a week. A slump in motivation levels for the remaining two days of the working week could cost the UK’s economy a significant sum in lost productivity. This further emphasises the benefits of ensuring a fully engaged and driven workforce.
