Employers must make motivation their mantra

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Employers must make motivation their mantra

Two-fifths of employees cite job content or the challenge their job presents as the main motivator in the workplace. That's the key finding in new research from Investors in People examining what makes employees give their best while at work.

The research -- which supports growing awareness within Britain's businesses that the route to employee productivity does not come solely through the pay packet -- found that only 14% noted pay as the key influence, followed closely by team spirit (13%).

"The results show that enlightened employers who examine employee needs, and create an environment to stimulate them, reap business benefits through a more enthusiastic and productive workforce," says IiP.

The survey carried out by NOP also highlights the dangers lurking for employers who don't take motivation seriously. Nearly a third of employees (32%) in the survey saw lack of recognition from management for the work they do, or poor management communication, as the most demotivating factors in their work. "This shows how easily a manager's actions and behaviour can undermine people's sense of involvement in an organisation," says IiP.

Key findings

Other findings of the research include:

• Job security is high on the agenda, with nearly four in ten employees (39%) citing it as something they want from their employers.
• Over a quarter (28%) of employees see work-life balance as something employers should deliver for them. This is more important to women (32%) than men (24%).
• Recognition for the contribution an employee makes to an organisation becomes more important as employees get older (16 to 23 year-olds: 11% 55 to 64 year olds: 24%).
• Employees working for large organisations see lack of recognition from management as the main reason for demotivation in the workplace (22%). In comparison, employees working for SMEs cite poor communication and lack of leadership as the main demotivating factors.

A final word

"Our research highlights that management hold the key to keeping employees fired up -- but they must focus time and attention on them to make this happen. Maintaining productivity -- and addressing the sections of the workforce who remain demotivated -- present important challenges for managers the need to keep the interest high and the challenge fresh are vital to any business, because motivated employees can mean the difference between success and failure.

Employers should also take heed of the findings on employee demotivation and realise that poor management practices can have a major impact on the workforce. Improving communication and recognising employee contribution can make a real difference to employee motivation and, ultimately, an organisation's bottom-line. An organisation that leaves its employees to drift without direction is on the short road to ruin." -- Ruth Spellman, chief executive of Investors in People.

Want to know more?

NOP World interviewed 1,911 GB employees between 10 and 22 June 2004.

Investors in People UK was established in 1993 to "provide national ownership of the Investors in People Standard and is responsible for its promotion and branding, quality assurance and development". The Investors in People Standard provides a framework for improving business performance and competitiveness through good practice in human resource development. To find out more visit www.iipuk.co.uk

Posted 1 September 2004