Motivating employees in a small business

Motivating employees in a small business can sometimes be a little more difficult than motivating employees in a large business since there is generally less money to go into motivating employees. But there are other ways, sometimes small ways that a small business can use to motivate their employees.

Making work fun

Making work fun can help motivate employees in a small business. There are a lot of different ways that an employer can make work fun for their employees. They can either focus on making the workplace fun, creating bonds between the employees, or they can to both.

Little things like a regular potluck lunch once a month can be a fun thing that employees look forward to each month. And celebrating birthdays with a little party each month can also make employees feel special and make the work place a fun place to be. Other little things such as a day that employees can dress down and not be required to wear the usual business casual or putting a ping pong table or foosball table in the break room can make the work place a fun place to be. These things are all little ways that make the workplace fun but they can also help motivate employees to come to work and have a positive attitude since work is a fun place to be.

If an employer would like to help strengthen friendships between the coworkers they can help promote activities outside the workplace that the employees can get involved in. For example, if employees at a small business enjoy playing sports they can make a sports team or join a league together. If employees like to promote good causes they can participate in a marathon or a walk to raise money for a charity.

Say thank you

Saying thank you does not cost any money and is a very small thing that can go a really long way to motivating employees in a small business. Employees like to know that they are valued and that the work that they do matters. By taking the time to tell an employee thank you for a job well done, or for just doing simple things like showing up to work on time each day, or having a positive attitude in the work place can help an employee feel appreciated and more motivated to continue to do a good job.

It is also a good idea for an employer to take the time to write thank you notes every now and then. If they notice one of their employees doing an exceptional job, a genuine thank you note can make them feel special and motivate them to work hard all of the time. A real thank you note from their employer can create a bond between the employer and employee that can help motivate the employee to do their best at work.

Happy employees

Happy employees are usually more motivated employees. There are many different ways that an employer can help their employees be happy. Little things such as flexible schedules can help employees be happy. For example, if an employee needs to work part-time or work hours other than the regular nine to five they will likely be a happier employee if they are allowed to work the hours that work best for them and their family.

Another way to help employees be happy is to have employee reviews. This way the employer can have an opportunity to tell the employee what they do that is correct (not just what they can do to be better) and they can listen to any concerns the employee may have so that the employer can see if they can help the employee have a better experience at work.

Even the smallest thing of letting an employee decorate their own workplace can help employees be happy and more motivated. An employer can find out what may make their employees happy and motivated by listening to them and paying attention to their wants and needs.