How to Motivate Your Staff in the New Year

How to Motivate Your Staff in the New Year

Christmas and New Year leftover snacks are long gone and people should now be back in the full swing of things at work. However, it’s no surprise after an extended break (gorging our faces with indulgent food and plenty of parties) there’s an unfortunate lack of motivation over the head of many employees. It’s natural early part of January. As the festive holidays often get staff through the start of the dreaded winter months. Aside from events like valentines day, January and February are often seen as the most depressing months with the long cold nights and early commutes to work. Therefore, a little boost of motivation and the right initiatives in place to promote positive wellbeing in the workplace (or remotely) can do the world of good. Here are a few tips that can go a long way to keeping any professional environment upbeat after the New Year celebrations:

Create More Motivational Meetings

Although you may be tempted as a business owner to start off the New Year looking at the first quarter, comparing year on year statistical data and crunching the numbers, it’s tough to move forward when your staff are still in limbo. What you can do is hold some end of week meetings online or face to face to discuss a few good and bad points from the past week.

Let your employees reflect and voice anything they’re concerned about, sharing with the group as a good way for everyone to learn. It’s also important to recognise any milestones or achievements your employees make, rewarding any personal or collective triumphs as a team, however big or small. If you make it a regular occurrence, your employees will revel in the chance to highlight the work they’ve done and the challenges they’ve faced. It’s a great chance to grow together.

Make the Work Atmosphere a Fun One

Forget about the flow charts or conference calls for a second – having fun is just as important to keep the spirit up. Of course, the working week should be packed with goals and targets but it’s key to create a happy workforce too that finds it’s a joy to get up and come to work each day. At the moment (and perhaps forever since the pandemic), people need to have fun while working remotely too. Create some quizzes, have a cooking experience or competitions – not just once a year for the company social pages but to set a precedent for the year ahead. There are plenty of ways to do this – start getting creative!

Give the Power to the People 

While it’s your business or desire as a manager to shepherd your employee towards your goals and targets, it’s important not to micro-manage your employees with every decision you want to make. Allow them a greater purpose, responsibility and sense of control to motivate them and boost their wellbeing.

Celebrate the Little Things – Often

Don’t just focus on the big wins for the company (although that’s obviously important). Applaud the years of service with gifts and meetups when colleagues have work anniversaries. Bring in cakes and presents on birthdays. Go bowling when the team achieve a big win with a client.

Even the little gestures are appreciated, it doesn’t have to be all gift cards and bonuses. A thank you note for staying overtime or a day off for mental health awareness each month goes a long way to creating motivated and appreciated employees in the New Year.

Show That You Care About More Than the Business

Take the time to be personal with your employees. People often do things for the public image but it will make your staff proud to work for an owner who goes the extra mile. That may mean a volunteer day at a local care home, a charity food drive or sponsoring a local sports team. Giving back is vital for the growth of everyone involved and these types of messages demonstrate the kind of person and business owner you’re are.

Finally….Offer Flexibility and Understanding

Your employees are people after all. We’re all facing challenges and concerns at the moment but you always need to put your employees first if you want to run a successful business. That means flexible working so your HR administrator can pick the kids up from school or the Business Development Manager can get to that important dentist appointment. Essentially, look after them and they will cherish your support, creating the best working environment and future for the business. The New Year parties may be gone and the morale may be slightly low, but these efforts and positive initiatives will ensure they stay for the next New Year celebrations.

Click here for more ideas on how to motivate your staff.

Contact us for help with all of your ISO and BRCGS certification needs.