Inexpensive but Effective Ways to Motivate Your Team

Let’s be honest here. Every single one of us needs motivation in some way or some how during the week. Whether it is to get up after that annoying alarm clock has gone off after pressing snooze already twice, getting that workout in midweek after a long day of work, or just making it past humpday. We are living in a crazy time and it’s honestly hard to remember what day of the week it is.

 If you are feeling this way, there is a good chance your employees are too. But fear not, compiled here is a list of inexpensive BUT effective ways to keep your team motivated. 

The Power of Affirmations

Our bodies are constantly changing based off the responses to the thoughts that run through our head. When we are thinking our brain sends signals and releases neurotransmitters which control your bodies functions like your mood and feelings. A way to create a positive mood and feeling is through positive affirmations. Studies show that these affirmations help us respond less defensive when challenges are thrown our way.

Did you know that your brain has a reward center? Well, these affirmations activate that center which also respond to other pleasurable experiences like getting a present or eating your favorite meal. Affirmations are a great way to keep your employees motivated and in a mood to get stuff done! 

SWAG

When talking about swag, I mean matching t shirts, hats, jackets, travel mugs, you name it. When you think about sporting teams, football for instance, a team wears the same gear symbolizing they are on a team together and can trust each other to help succeed in the game. When in an office environment it is easy to feel isolated to your desk. By having team swag, it can be an easy way to display unity and allow your employees to feel like they can lean on each other for the tasks at hand. Also, it’s not pricey advertising when they go out to the store after work 😊

SUMMER FRIDAYS

You and I both know that Fridays are the favorite day of the week. What a better way than to motivate your employees by giving them a goal and rewarding them with a half day once a month on Friday! Especially when in an office building, when the weather is beautiful out, the last place you want to be is inside working. Allow your team to have the day off after lunch if they succeed on a task that was given to them. This motivation will be rewarding to you and your employees because who doesn’t love a good half day?          

Granting Autonomy

When given a task, how many people really want their boss looking over their shoulder making sure everything is perfect? No one. By granting autonomy to your employees shows that you trust them with a task that needs to be done. If you are given something and you think that your boss believes in you to get it done and do it right, most of the time you are going to. It all goes back to the positive affirmation. By allowing them to own their work, they will likely be very confident in their own work and will ask questions when needed. 

“The three things that motivate creative people – autonomy, mastery, and purpose!” 

[if !supportLists]-Daniel H. Pink

Food

Giving your employees a free lunch is a great way to motive them. If applicable, treat your team to a lunch well done. This gives your team something to look forward to and will brighten up moods. This also can show them that you appreciate them and all the hard work they do for you and the business. 

So why is motivation so important? When we are properly motivated, there is almost nothing we cannot do. Motivation keeps the wheels turning. The law of supply and demand is taking a product and selling it to someone who needs it, that is what business is all about, it is what makes one successful. When you have employees who work for you, they are a part of that puzzle that makes the business work, why else would you hire them. By keeping your employees motivated, it keeps the chain working and not only will benefit you but also the business. So, I hope these tips make it a little easier! 

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