The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the landscape of the workplace. In some cases, it has given employees desired flexibility and choice, and in others it has created new stressors and hardships. An unfortunate theme of 2020 was that there weren’t enough people working due to the economic downturn posed by the pandemic. And now in 2021, we face a different but equally perplexing challenge — fewer people are returning to work, and companies simply can’t hire quickly enough. Due in part to health concerns, in part to the ongoing impact of federal stimulus activities that began in 2020, and in part to an overall increase in opportunities brought about by rising consumer demand, employees can now be more selective as to when and where they choose to work.
Now more than ever, it is imperative that employers put time and energy into employee motivation efforts.
Employee Motivators
Many employees are likely facing increased challenges and stressors as they return to work. Changing work environments, new health, and safety protocols, and stressors at home — such as issues with childcare — are among the many factors that may contribute to employees feeling less enthusiastic about showing up at work. In fact, The Financial Times cites that in 2020, 14 percent of workers reported that they felt disengaged at work.
Employee motivation is not as simple as tasking managers to inspire their teams. Creating an environment that motivates individuals to show up every day and work hard — while avoiding burnout — is a key component of a company’s overall success. Ways in which enterprises can engage and motivate their workforce include:
- Provide positive reinforcement: This can be as simple as acknowledging an employee’s hard work on a regular basis. Positive reinforcement is a simple yet underrated technique that can keep individuals engaged and motivated to keep up the good work.
- Encourage peer-to-peer support: This is especially important now that many workplaces are relying heavily on remote work. It is important to make sure that no one feels isolated, which may lead them to feel unmotivated and disconnected.
- Create an organization in which individuals feel good to belong: Employees enjoy being a part of an organization that aims to make a positive difference. Here at iGPS, we have partnered with the National Forest Foundation to sponsor the planting of 100,000 trees in protected United States forests over the next three years. Investing in charitable activities and promoting volunteerism is a great way to maintain a positive company culture and enhance employee motivation.
The Benefits of Employee Motivation
Employees are the backbone of an organization, and their performance is integral to success. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic and work through the labor shortage it has caused, it is crucial that companies focus on employee motivation both to retain current staff and recruit new talent.
Additionally, a motivated employee can contribute to increased productivity, which allows an organization to achieve a higher level of output. This is especially helpful in the supply chain industry, as disruptions continue to make headlines around the world. Incorporating employee motivation into day-to-day procedures may help to alleviate some of the current stress. Other benefits of employee motivation can include:
- Increased employee commitment
- Improved satisfaction
- Greater innovation
- Ongoing employee and business development
- Stronger corporate reputation
The health of our workforce is imperative to the health of our economy. As we struggle to rebuild our workforce in response to robust demand, companies that take steps to engage workers and maintain employee enthusiasm will have a competitive edge. A little motivation goes a long way.
Companies that need to rely on a stable supply chain workforce use iGPS Logistics for all their shipping needs. Our company provides safe working conditions, a comprehensive benefits package, and ongoing professional development designed to attract and retain top-level talent. Contact us at 1-866-557-0047, email a specialist at [email protected], or visit our contact page.
