5 ways to boost your team’s motivation

Your people are the backbone to your organisation, if they feel good they will function well.

We're all navigating difficult challenges at work and home. As senior leaders it is important to be aware of your team's morale and lead from the front to create a positive working environment.

Studies show a positive workplace culture generates productivity which in turn will attract and retain talent and improve your people's resilience preparing them for any obstacles they will face in the coming year.

Here are our top five ways leaders can boost their team's motivation leading to a happier, healthier and more positive workplace for all.

1. Effective Communication

If you're people don't know what you are asking from them do you really expect them to succeed? Aim for clarity when you are communicating with your team, you should be clear with your message and create space for them to ask questions if they need to.

Research shows that 80% of employees feel that effective communication delivers trust in the workplace, so make the conversation open and dynamic — you don't always have to agree, in fact Christopher Littlefield at Forbes believes it is needed in the workplace:

Healthy debate allows us to see multiple perspectives, hear all the facts, and make better decisions. And when brought into the workplace, it benefits us even more.

Christopher Littlefield, Forbes

But, the key thing to remember is effective communication is not one-sided you should be actively listening to the other person and keeping an open mind.

2. Team Development Day

Stop going on 'Team Away Days' and schedule in time for real learning.

Team Development can help your team to reconnect with each other and align on organisational values, aims and changes.

At Brathay we understand one-size does not fit all. Our expert Learning and Development facilitators know how to tailor a programme to fit your team's needs. We listen carefully to you to understand your objectives and values, from there we design an immersive programme that engages your people resulting in increased motivation and productivity.

We design our programmes to be inclusive and shift the team dynamics so that everyone is supported and has the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths — learnings they can take straight back into the workplace.

3. Invest in impactful L&D

Studies from TalentLMS show that over 3/4 of employees are more likely to stay with an employer who offers regular training opportunities. It's simple: humans want to learn.

It's more than just a yearly Health and Safety training, impactful learning meets the needs of the learner and the organisation. It takes into consideration values and objectives and personal learning preferences.

We have over 75 years of experience in experiential learning at Brathay. Through immersive activities we know exactly how to stretch individuals that create positive mindsets; not just in the moment but back in the workplace too. Working with us you will see within your team:

• Improved problem-solving skills
• Increased awareness of individual strengths
• Effective communication skills

4. Be Creative

We know, the 'boring' work has to be done, but if your team is doing the same stuff everyday you'll likely see their motivation dip.

Here's a few ideas to make your team's work day more motivating:

• Introduce interesting tasks that you know they will enjoy. Individuals are motivated by different things so you might find you can swap tasks around so everyone is doing something they find interesting.
• Change up the scenery. Give your team a different perspective and have your next meeting in a local cafe, a nearby park, or have a walking meeting if possible.
• Team workshop. Grab the flipchart and some pens and bring your team together to get the ideas rolling.

5. Lead By Example

Good wellbeing is key to a happy and healthy team. As their leader you can act as a positive role model for wellbeing and growth in the workplace.

If you want to boost your employees wellbeing make sure they feel they can maintain a good work/life balance and communicate effectively with your them, this give an opportunity for them to air any issues that are impacting on their wellbeing and let them know that you're here to support them.

You can lead by example by looking after your own wellbeing. If you need some support why not book some 1:1 Leadership Coaching with one of our consultants. They will work from the inside out to help you increase your self-awareness and build your knowledge and skills for an effective wellbeing practice.