Workplace Motivation

Workplace Motivation

As companies continue to struggle in an increasingly competitive environment, they inevitably turn their attention to the issue of employee productivity. As employees become unsatisfied with their current work situation the motivation decreases, causing poor efficiency and productivity. Companies know that morale affects productivity, yet management has struggled to find effective ways to increase motivation and create an efficient and productive workplace. “Organizational success cannot be achieved without strong leadership and a focused, thoughtful work environment that promotes motivation” (HRMagazine, 2010, vol. 55 (7)).

When I started working for Texas Independent Elevator Company, it had just been started two years earlier and there were not any substantial motivational techniques in place yet. Every employee showed up, did his or her job, and went home. The only thing to look forward to was a Christmas bonus that may not even be given. The few extrinsic motivations that the company has in place are health insurance, vacation and sick pay, and the occasional “good job.” As the company has grown, the managers have defined the different job descriptions, which has seemed to increase motivation because everyone knows exactly what his or her specific tasks are and what their part is within the company.

Texas Independent Elevator’s philosophy of motivation is to know the employees and gain the highest level of productivity and efficiency. Over the last year the company has worked to become more committed to continued employee growth both professionally and personally. Employees are encouraged to seek outside education to enhance not only his or her job duties, but also for potential jobs to be solved. They also believe in promotion from within the company. Because management is charged with knowing the employees, they have to know what extrinsic motivators work best with each person. For example,...