According to a 2022 Gallup poll, engaged employees only account for 32% of the U.S. workforce. By contrast, 17% of workers admit to being actively disengaged. Unfortunately, disengaged employees often lack the motivation to contribute to their organization’s growth. They’re also less likely to work hard or produce desirable results.
And the longer this goes on, the higher their odds of quitting. The good news is that it’s not always too late for employers or managers to motivate a team of unhappy workers.
Below we’ve shared some of the best ways to inspire a team and boost employee motivation, so keep reading.
1. Reach Out and Listen
A 2022 survey found that 39% of U.S. employees quit their job due to a lack of communication from management. That implies they wouldn’t have left if only their managers had talked to them more often. Thus, one of the most crucial ways to motivate employees is to reach out and let them know you’re ready to listen.
Doing so can also help you discover why they might be feeling demotivated. For instance, you might learn that their disengagement is due to a lack of recognition or a skills gap.
Once you know the reason, then you can take steps to try and address the problem before employees quit.
2. Plan Team-Building With the Entire Team
The goal of team-building activities is to improve bonds and communication among members. However, if not carefully planned, it can be a waste of money, or it may even backfire. That can happen if team leaders don’t ask their members for input. Remember: It’s a team-building event, so every team member should have a say.
Therefore, when planning one, ensure that all team members are present. Then, ask each of them what they think will make the event fun and interesting. As much as possible, incorporate at least one idea from each member into the event. That alone can help make them feel more appreciated.
As the team leader, you may want to invite a speaker known for giving speeches that inspire employees. If you schedule the talk at the start of the team-building event, that may excite your members even more. Here’s a resource where you can learn more about motivational business speakers.
3. Sponsor Training Programs
Role stagnation is when a person feels stuck in a cycle of repetitive tasks. For many employees, this results in disinterest, demotivation, and enough reason to quit. Indeed, 63% of U.S. adults who quit their jobs in 2021 said it was due to not having opportunities for advancement.
One way to rekindle the motivation of these workers is to have them undergo training for new skills. Many employees consider these programs as incentives as they help improve their crafts.
Those improvements, in turn, can help them become more valuable as workers. And once they add more value to the organization, they can advance their careers and get higher wages.
Motivate a Team Before It’s Too Late
Remember: Hiring a new employee can cost upward of $4,000 per recruit. On top of that is the cost of losing an employee, including productivity losses. Thus, it’s always better to motivate a team of existing employees rather than look for new ones. It’s even more crucial if they used to be some of your top talents.
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