How Can I help in Motivating my Staff?

Maslowâs Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Probably the most well known theory of motivation is Maslowâs Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow's Hierarchy suggests the following.

• Physiological ö our need for food, shelter, air
• Security & safety ö so that we might feel protected from danger & harm
• Social ö need to be loved and part of a group, respect from others
• Ego ö where self-esteem, recognition, prestige & status plays importance
• Self Actualisation ö what one is capable of becoming, achieving potential and self fulfilment with whatever weâve got

What can you gain from Maslowâs Theory to produce a more satisfying work environment for your staff?

You can learn how to improve a workerâs performance by linking job behaviours with the satisfaction of that workerâs individual needs. People are motivated to do a job well when it helps them meet one or more of their personal needs. Know what drives your people.

Here are some suggestions on how to meet these personal needs.

• Create a comfortable and pleasant working environment for employees. Employees should feel comfortable to bring their own personalities to work and not park them outside the front door.
• Pay competitive salaries so that your employees can comfortably provide for themselves and their families.
• Provide opportunities to offer incentives, paid overtime and bonuses.

• Provide a safe working environment, where other team members display concern for the safety and protection of others.
• Job security and communicate information regularly.

• Give employees opportunities to work in-groups.
• Encourage people to work as a team and encourage employees to recognise the importance and contribution of their work to the rest of the team and the company.
• Be consistent and fair with everyone.
• Show your concern for team members and encourage them to do likewise.

• Give positive feedback and recognition both publicly and privately.
• Provide rewards based upon performance.
• Give opportunities to provide opinions.
• Let people excel and move into areas of increased responsibility allowing them to demonstrate their talents and skills and give autonomy.
• Always say "Thank you".

• Give freedom to be creative and make suggestions.
• By treating mistakes as learning experiences.
• Support personal and professional growth through ongoing learning and training.

You canât help every employee meet every need, of course. Thatâs impossible and there are dangers in expecting our work to constitute our entire life. When considering these needs ask your staff for suggestions and comments on how to achieve a better working environment for them.