These days, it seems like organizations are in a contest to see who can offer their employees the most stuff to keep them motivated. Some popular perks include on-site gaming rooms, free food and drinks, napping pods and “Bring Your Pet to Work Day.” Much like in the world of kids’ sports, you can get an award just for showing up every day. Obviously, it’s important to show your employees appreciation, but going overboard with incentives isn’t the most effective way to keep them motivated.
People like to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Think, for instance, about die hard sports fans. They put on face paint, silly outfits and brave extreme temperatures to watch their favorite team play. And, when their team wins, they leave the stadium saying, “We won!” even though “we” didn’t actually do anything. Despite the fact that the team isn’t giving them anything in return and more than likely doesn’t even know who they are, they still feel like they are part of it and are motivated to do whatever it takes to ensure they have an awesome game. Great organizations know how to tap into that need to be part of something and make people feel like more than just employees who are just going to a job that pays the bills, but aren’t part of anything bigger. They know how to get them genuinely motivated—and they don’t do it by offering them stuff.
Successful organizations have created an atmosphere of honesty and integrity. In this type of environment, employees are made to feel like they are an integral part of the organization through transparency and having their opinions and input listened to and valued. Everyone is also clear on the organization’s goals and working towards them is a team effort that allows everyone to feel like their role matters and benefits the greater good. These organizations also have leaders they can count on who are approachable and are obviously looking out more for the well-being of the organization than for themselves. Their leaders are lighthouses and their commitment to the company and the people in it totally changes the dynamic and perceptions of the workforce.
Perks are nice, but if they are offered in an unsupportive environment, that free all-you-can eat lunch buffet won’t do anything to improve your employees’ dedication or motivation to work towards your mission and goals. They need to know what they are doing each day is for the betterment of a great cause. It takes leaders, starting at the very top, to create an environment that fosters that feeling. If you don’t take the time to make honesty and integrity part of your culture, you won’t have employees who are loyal, and instead you’ll have high turnover and your company won’t thrive. Getting and keeping your employees motivated is key to your company’s success, so it’s imperative you make creating an environment that encourages it part of your corporate culture.
John Addison is the president and CEO of Addison Leadership Group.
