Are your employees motivated to promote your business?

If I were to ask whether you believe your employees are motivated and giving their very best to promote your business, what would you say? The results of a recent poll may surprise you.

Forty-two percent of employees surveyed admitted to being less than motivated on the job.  Studies reveal that motivated employees are 50% more productive than their unmotivated counterparts, which means unmotivated employees cost employers a whopping $380 Billion a year!

Ninety percent of employers replied it was important for their employees to be diligent on the job; however, only 25% had a strategy for motivating them.

What did employees say would motivate them to promote your business?

You can put the checkbook away! You are not going to have to raise any salaries today.

Surprisingly, when employees were asked what motivates them to remain diligent at work, money was not the answer. Instead, employees responded that less oversight by management, being given the ability to master their assignments, and the feeling that they were contributing to the greater good were all factors that contributed to job satisfaction and a desire to promote the business.

Interestingly, employees did not consider Christmas bonuses or other scheduled bonuses motivational.  However, a simple "thank you" note, gift card, or an occasional afternoon off was highly motivational because it was personal and unexpected.

How can employers meet their employees' expectations?

Employers could offer training programs to prepare workers for career advancement within the company.  Employees should be encouraged to learn all they can about the company and the skills needed to advance to any position they are interested in.

This type of motivational incentive is much more practical for a small business owner than larger businesses because of the numbers of employees each has.  Small business owners can and should know each of their employees by name and should make time to speak with and get to know each of them personally.  Are they married? Do they have any children?  How satisfied are they with their job? What is it that motivates them?

 Praise and commendation from their supervisors was the most effective motivator among those surveyed, second was attention or notice by Company leadership, and third was the opportunity to lead projects.  These three incentives scream loudly that employees want to do a good job and to advance within the company.

Employers, are you looking for ways to encourage even your entry-level employees to seek advancement?  Are you providing a way for that to occur?  Happy employees talk about their jobs to everyone they know.  They not only recommend the company's products and services, but they recommend the company as a great place to work.

If you don't already have a strategy in place, there is no time like the present.

The team at Pro PR Marketing offers a wide variety of services designed to elevate your company’s visibility and make you a “top place to work” in the USA!