TOP 5 MOTIVATORS FOR EMPLOYEES:

Challenging work

Recognition

Employee involvement

Respect for boss

Compensation

RETENTION STARTS WITH THE RIGHT HIRE

The 7 C’s of Hiring by Alan Hall, Forbes Contributor

Competent: Has the necessary skills, experience and education to be successful

Capable: Employee has the potential for growth and ability to take on more responsibility

Compatible: Willingness to be harmonious with their boss and co-workers

Commitment: Consistent and stable work history, serious about working long term

Character: Do their values align with yours? Team player?

Culture: Does the worker reflect your company’s culture?

Compensation: Competitive pay for the positions- don’t over or under pay

With the right tools and training, most people will rise to whatever level of expectation and challenge you present them.  People thrive with responsibility, give them the opportunity to do so.

MOTIVATION & RECOGNITION

A simple THANK YOU can have a lot more impact than money. Sometimes money can be seen by employees as part of their compensation, recognition that is separate from compensation is valued more by employees.

Examples of inexpensive ways to motivate employees:

Gift cards, employee spotlight, in-house massages, pot luck lunches, team meetings, pedicures at lunch, surprise shopping spree, early out Fridays.

THE BALANCE BETWEEN GRATITUDE AND ENTITLEMENT

• Bonuses should not be a given- stretch goals may not always be met
• Help them understand the reasons for the reward (i.e. we had a great month/year, you did exceptionally well at…)
• Every person is different and the leader needs to adapt to maximize each person’s potential.
• Focus on people’s strengths not weaknesses.