Summary

Motivating staff is a fundamentally important dimension of successful management and a vital aspect of a leaders role. Significant organisational outcomes can be obtained by having staff that are motivated. These include:

• Increased productivity in the workplace

• Reduced absenteeism and turnover

• Increased innovation and creativity

• Increased employee and customer satisfaction

• An enhanced company profile

• Higher quality products or services

• Improved financial performance.

Abraham Maslow, Frederick Herzberg and Douglas McGregor have developed theories of motivation and how motivation can affect and influence employees. Significant research into motivation and the workplace has also been conducted. The research highlights some important aspects for leaders - employees want interesting work where they are given responsibility, autonomy, challenges and the opportunity to learn. Good working conditions, job security, and pay are important, appreciation should be shown and regular feedback should be given on an employee's performance.

To assist in applying the theories and research outcomes in practice, leaders and managers should:

• Show trust and respect to their staff;

• Act as an advocate;

• Provide competitive and realistic salaries;

• Reward achievements;

• Provide opportunities for job enlargement and enrichment;

• Redesign jobs to expand opportunities for self-control, self-direction, challenge, and responsibility;

• Provide the resources and support necessary for employees to complete work to the levels required by the organisation;

• Plan for advancement opportunities for employees and support mentoring;

• Provide professional development opportunities;

• Promote and provide two-way feedback;

• Encourage humour and creativity in the workplace;

• Address stress and burnout;

• Implement work/life balance initiatives.

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