General Motivation Blog » Keeping Employees Happy

Get Your Motor Running – The Benefits of Exercise at Work

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:30:25 +0000

At-Work Exercise Programs Need Not be Complex

It’s no secret – people want to know that their employers really do care about their well being. One effective way, with countless benefits to both employer and employee, is to institute an exercise program. Whether you’re a small office of 20 or a large corporation employing thousands, giving your employees an opportunity to benefit from some much-needed exercise can go a long way to having happier, healthier workers.

Many larger corporations (even some smaller ones) have found that by providing an exercise room for employees to use freely, whether during breaks or before and after work hours, their health care costs go down and productivity goes up. But you need not heat up the office credit card to build a state-of-the-art gym. Sometimes the simple approach is the most effective. Consider implementing stretching exercise breaks throughout the workday.

For just a few minutes once or twice daily, encourage everyone to stand up and go through simple stretching exercises. If you’re able to do them as a group, all the better – especially in factory and office situations where employees may be required to sit down for most of their workday. Companies who consider stretching breaks as a necessary part of the day most often report that their workers enjoy and appreciate the opportunity, and productivity increases after even just a 3 – 5 minute break. Health care costs also decrease, since simple stretching exercises have a way of reducing work-related injury. You may even discover that your employees enjoy the exercises so much that they participate in other physical activities even after the workday is done.

More than likely you already have an exercise expert right in your building. The proper exercise program can be as simple as asking the marathon runner in accounting or the yoga practitioner on the factory floor to spearhead the project. If there’s no one available where you work, consider consulting with a local gym or YMCA. Tell them what type of exercises you’d like to use, and ask them to help you set up the right stretches for your work environment.

You may also want to add some before- or after-work activities, such as bringing in a yoga or tai chi instructor. Ask your employees for input as to which they might prefer, then call some local martial arts and yoga schools in the area to see if they have an instructor or advanced student who would be able to come in once or twice a week – even every day - to lead a class.

Whether you go all out with an office gym and an early morning yoga class, or if you simply opt for two 3-minute stretching breaks, you’ll quickly notice all the benefits of exercise programs at work. Everyone will feel more energized and healthy, and there’s no doubt your employees will recognize that their company really does care about their well being. That may be the biggest benefit of them all.

10 Simple Tips for Motivating Your Employees

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:12:16 +0000

Motivation is a beautiful thing.

Sometimes the easiest things are the most effective. These 10 tips for motivating your employees may seem overly simple at first glance; perhaps you’ll say, “Of course! Who doesn’t know that?” But these are the sort of tips that we often forget to put into practice. Making yourself mindful of them will give you more productive – and happier – employees!

1. Smile

2. Find reason to compliment even the most difficult employees. Make it sincere, even if it’s just “Hey, dig those shoes.”

3. Do a favor. I’m not talking about waxing the secretary’s Prius. I’m talking the simple stuff: Buy her a cappuccino; fix that computer glitch she’s been bugging you about; clip a funny cartoon you think she’d like.

4. Say thanks.

5. Admit a mistake.

6. Bring in doughnuts. Or a fruit basket. (You’d be surprised at how fast a fruit basket will empty out! It doesn’t have to be frosted to be devoured.)

7. Listen.

8. Ask for input. Nothing makes an employee feel more valued than to have a boss, a supervisor, a manager ask for their opinion or input on something!

9. Openly recognize talent.

10. Laugh.

At first it looks simple; but be aware of just one or two of these tasks throughout the rest of today, and you’ll find some of them might be harder to implement than you thought! That’s alright. The payoff for everyone is great. In fact, we could rename this post “10 Simple Tips for Motivating Yourself” and read it again. The list is just as effective. Nothing is a more powerful self-motivator than motivating others!

Motivating Your Employees: Turning the Below-Average Worker into an Olympic Performer

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:05:49 +0000

A Misplaced Worker is an Unmotivated Worker

What if Shaun White never became a snowboarder? What if, instead, his parents told him, “Kid, enough with the snowboarding already. Crack into those books and aim for a respectable job. That sport’s going nowhere anyway.” Jump to Shaun’s adulthood: He sits behind a desk pushing numbers as an accountant. Think he’d be any good at it? Even if he performed alright, his heart certainly wouldn’t be in it. In much the same way, our employees can be seriously underperforming if they are misplaced. So how do you most effectively go about motivating your employees? One of the best ways is to make sure their job description best matches their talents.

That’s not to say we tell them to trade in their keyboard for a snowboard, building them a halfpipe in the parking lot. But if an employee seems less than motivated, even disgruntled, one area to look at is their day-to-day activities. An employee turning in subpar work may simply be misplaced. In smaller companies it’s easier to get to know an employee on a one-on-one basis than it is in larger companies, but it’s never impossible to learn the likes and dislikes of one’s workstaff. Getting to know more about the personal lives of those who make your company operate is a great way to figure out where they might better be placed, or what new responsibilities may be added to their workday that would motivate them.

Take, for instance, Sandy. A true story, Sandy worked at a factory. She was young and wasn’t planning on making the factory her lifelong job and the bosses knew that. She was placed on a machine producing parts, and the work environment was quite repetitive. Others did very well in that position, but Sandy got squirrelly, wandered around and talked instead of working, and consistently produced bad parts. Other employees complained that she wasn’t holding up to the task, and it wasn’t making for a very pretty work environment. She probably would have gotten herself fired, but her supervisor saw it for what it was – Sandy was bored to tears. She needed movement and mental activity that would change from day to day. Her supervisor moved her to a different position where she would get what it took to make her a top performer in the company. True, she did leave a couple of years later, but for the years she worked there she was happy and a top producer.

As with the case of Sandy, misplaced workers can act out and even disrupt others; but like the image of Shaun White at the accountant’s desk, being misplaced simply means poor performance. Reevaluating a worker’s job description may give you more than a happy, motivated worker – it may just lead to an Olympic performer who has the potential to take your company to Gold-medal status!

What Makes an Employee Feel Appreciated? A Speak-Out

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:35:14 +0000

What makes an employee feel appreciated? We may assume we know the answer to that question; we may even assume we’re doing it for our employees already, but are we? I asked a few hard workers an important question: ” What was one thing an employer did for you that made you feel truly appreciated?” Some of those questioned had immediate responses. But most had to think awhile; one even gave up. Following are their eye-opening answers.

What was one thing an employer did for you that made you feel truly appreciated?

Bob: Unfortunately I can’t think of anything great a company did to recognize me specifically, but at an employee group level, the company organized a few picnics that turned out to be fun events. I would have appreciated a simple verbal acknowledgment from my manager for a job well done.

Cecil: I always liked getting free things. (I once got a laser pen and pencil set.) The day we would grill out and have hot dogs and hamburgers. Gift certificates were nice. Unexpected things were always the best. Like coming into the office and saying the first sale of the day got $50. Salesman of the month with a gift certificate to a restaurant.

Sharon: During a performance review at a job I had in my early 20′s, a boss told me he wished all his employees worked as hard as I did. He was very sincere and I’ve carried that compliment with me all these 20 years later!

Sarah: OK, I can honestly say I don’t know the last time an employer did anything to let me know I was appreciated. Oh wait, I think on Secretary’s Day the other agents buy us a big lunch. But wait, that’s the agents. That doesn’t come from the employer. Scrap that. My supervisor brought us snacks for Christmas. For the whole staff she brought us one thing of celery sticks cut up, a small bag of carrots, and some dip. And two rolls of Ritz crackers for our ENTIRE staff. I think a dozen cookies too! Is this helping?

(Thanks, Sarah. Actually it does help! We appreciate your candor.)

Maria: In 1997, I received a gold necklace from a boss and his wife when I left the company. I am wearing it right now. Also, the continuous “Thank you’s” are so important.

Five people, five different companies five totally different responses. Or is it? One could read these answers and walk away with an overall impression: It really is in the sincerity of the recognition. One thing is for certain: Everyone wants to feel appreciated and recognized for the time and effort they put into a company. If you’re wondering whether or not your company is doing its best to make the employees feel valued, you might try a similar survey, asking employees to give their responses anonymously. Perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results. Or maybe it’ll be some pretty difficult reading material. Either way, it’s important enough to take the time to find out. In the end, you’ll have happier, more productive employees that are willing to go the extra mile.

Perhaps you’re the employee with a story to share. Please feel free to comment on this post and tell us what an employee has done to make you feel valued!

Check back next week when our next Speak-Out asks people to share their stories when employees tried to make them feel appreciated – but didn’t. More eye-opening stuff to come, so subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss out!

Company & Office Party Ideas #2 – The Winter BBQ

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:58:45 +0000

This part of the winter can get pretty tedious up in the northern regions of the U.S. No doubt the entire country, however, finds itself restless for the more carefree days of summer. We still have to wait it out, but a respite from winter, if only for the afternoon, could be just what the doctor ordered. Today’s company and office party idea is: The Wintertime BBQ!

If it’s within the company budget, consider having your lunchtime barbeque catered. Bring in a caterer who can set up classic summertime picnic fare, or go whole hog and have a pig roast.

Is a caterer a little too steep on the budget? No problem. Go with a potluck and encourage everyone to contribute their favorite summer dish. Set up grills in the parking lot and serve hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings. Tell coworkers they can wear their Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, and straw hats that day if they wish. While everyone’s eating, play some Beach Boys tunes or luau music. Try covering the tables with red and white checkered tablecloths and string colorful patio lights over the potluck table. Prop up a beach umbrella in one corner and put a lawn chair and a cooler filled with beverages beneath the umbrella.

Offering a few door prizes always livens things up, and it’s also the perfect opportunity to publicly recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals or teams with plaques or awards. For the door prizes, stay with the summer theme. Try items such as this folding chair with a built-in cooler beneath and your company logo on the chair back. Or how about a backpack filled with all the necessities for the winner to have their own picnic? If you want to keep things economical, go with items such as company tees and hats, gardening and yard tools, and tailgating accessories.

Waiting for warmer weather doesn’t have to be a drag. Anticipate it in a fun and social manner with afternoon of summertime food and good times at your own company or office party! Who knows, you may just encourage the sun to heat things up early this year. Now, there’s something to appreciate!

Like our suggestions? Learn more about these and other great ideas by calling us at 1-888/664-6449. And make sure to subscribe to our blog. More fun company and office party ideas are on the way!

Inexpensive Recognition Award Ideas for Employees

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:45:06 +0000

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When an employee has gone the extra mile or made an accomplishment that you don’t want to let go unrecognized, it’s nice to be ready with something that says “thank you”. Such an item doesn’t have to be costly, but it should have some thought behind it. The best recognition awards are items that are presented with true gratitude. And it doesn’t hurt if they’re useful items as well! Following are a few inexpensive recognition award ideas for your worthy employees.

Business Card Holders: These can be found in every style and price point imaginable. Some very nice ones can be had at reasonable prices. Keep some on hand engraved with the company logo, or for a more personal touch, engrave the employee’s name and/or a special message as well.

Mini Gator Flashlight: It’s hard to believe this one falls in the “affordable” category, but it’s true. For under $15, this useful item makes a great thank you. It even comes in a gift box with a spare lamp, a lanyard, and a set of batteries. And of course it’s fully engravable.

All-in-One Desk Buddy: Here’s a most handy item! This smooth-surfaced mousepad has a wrist rest, a calculator, a ruler, even a hidden storage compartment all built in. It can hold a small notepad and business cards as well. Also for under $15, this is a great deal that can be engraved with your company logo and/or the recipient’s name.

There’s nothing like being recognized for a job well done. It motivates one to keep going, gives a sense of purpose, and makes a career out of a job. In the end, the most important thing is to be shown appreciation with sincerity. Adding a token of gratitude ensures the moment can’t be forgotten.

Interested in any of these inexpensive recognition awards ideas for your employees? Give us a call at 1/888-664-6449. We can help you with these or any other motivational ideas you may have!

The Importance of Service Recognition

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:34:58 +0000

Click Here for Our Latest Giveaway!

Recognition of Achievement Reminds Them They're not Just a Face in the Crowd

My grandfather worked for the same company for over 40 years and he was proud of that. It wasn’t a glamorous job by any means, working in an oil refinery, but he did it and raised a family with those hard earned wages. He lived a long life and passed away at age 91. A man of modest means, he didn’t leave much behind, but what struck me was discovering he’d kept his company diamond pin all those years, along with a few other small keepsakes.

Did my grandfather work 40-some years simply to ensure he received a diamond lapel pin? Of course not. But it meant something to him. It symbolized an achievement, one he wouldn’t forget. It symbolized years of his life; coworkers and friends, a second “family”.

Recognition of achievement is vital to keeping employees motivated and happy. It gives them a sense of community and loyalty, and reminds them they’re a part of something bigger, and that others are glad they’re there. Would my grandfather have kept at the same job all those decades without being recognized for his achievements? I think so. He was just that sort of man. But I doubt very much that company would have remained an active part of his identity, even 35 years after his retirement. Recognition is so much more than a passing thank you; it’s a milestone that stays with someone for life.

Combating Stress in the Workplace

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:49:55 +0000

The holiday season is upon us. So is a challenging global economy. Makes for an interestingly stressful addition to the workplace, doesn’t it? Perhaps you’re getting more requests from the employees for help in this area, or maybe you yourself are in need of some stress relievers in the workplace. Either way, it’s nice to have some fresh stress-relieving ideas. Of course not all stressful situations can be cleaned up with a quick fix, but sometimes the necessary changes are easier than we thought. Here are a few simple suggestions to pass on, or to use yourself:

Workspace Makeover: Aesthetics play a huge role in how we feel. I’m not talking about ripping apart the office and hiring an interior designer, but taking a good look at your personal workspace is a good place to begin. If things aren’t organized and comfortable, you’re stressed before you even start. Add something of home to your work area if possible. Our jobs are, after all, our homes away from home, so adding a bit of your own personality to the area will make you more content in being there. It may take a few hours of precious time to get things back where they should be, but the time – and stress – saved in the long run is invaluable.

Take a Break: Whether your work location is in an industrial park or a high rise, getting away from your surroundings for short breaks is vital. Set up a routine to spend the second half of your lunch walking outside if possible, or within the building on bad weather days. The walk and fresh air will clear your head, stretch your muscles, and give you fresh perspective. Take a friend or go it on your own! But either way, make a schedule and stick to it. You’ll quickly look forward to that getaway.

Stay Healthy: The advice almost seems too simple. Drink lots of water, get a good 8 hours sleep a night, eat healthy foods… but those simple bits of wisdom can go a long way, especially when stuck in a stressful situation you otherwise have very little control over. Working after a full night’s rest, for instance, will get you far when you have stressful meetings to attend or a difficult coworker to deal with in the morning.

Keep a Work Journal: That’s right, let it all out. Vent, rant, complain, even gossip. It’s better to have it out in a journal than to your coworkers. A journal won’t tell on you later, won’t hold back a raise or deny you that promotion. One sage word of advice, however: Don’t keep your work journal at work. I had a coworker who vented her frustrations about our difficult boss. The journal was left at her desk, where the difficult boss found and read it. Up to that point, the journal had been a huge stress reliever; but getting fired for keeping the journal wasn’t.

Reevaluate Your Job: If the stress is simply unbearable and more than just a usual bump in the road, it may be time to take stock of the situation and decide whether or not this is the place for you. If, through careful self-reflection and sincere efforts to improve the situation, the job is taking away from your home life, your health, and/or your overall satisfaction in life, it may be time to look for a fresh start. Think it over through some vacation time if possible, and try and make any major life changes a well thought-out decision.

Sometimes job stresses are simple fixes, like reorganizing your surroundings. Other times they’re deeper and more difficult, requiring heroic efforts to keep your head above the water. Either way, it’s good to start by adjusting what you can first, then deciding how to handle the seriously tough stuff. Taking things one step at a time makes reducing stress in the workplace a bit easier to take on.

Planning a Fun & Inexpensive Work Gathering: The Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:17:18 +0000

Ice Cream Socials are a Great Way to Reconnect at the Workplace

Yes, it’s November and rather chilly in most parts of the country. But what better time to plan a little break in the daily routine! I’m talking ice cream social – bowls, cones, hot fudge, neapolitan, rocky road, and all your coworkers. There’s nothing like a moment to chat with your office mates or get better acquainted with other departments, even shut the production line down and hand out the cones, to help everyone refocus and reconnect. The excitement of changing the pace can actually energize your work staff, make them feel appreciated, and reminding them the workplace can be enjoyable too!

What you need: Simple stuff here: Bowls and spoons, ice cream scoops, perhaps some cones. Marischino cherries, hot fudge, chopped nuts, perhaps whipped cream. A couple of flavors of ice cream, even a low fat or frozen yogurt variety if that’s how your group rolls.

Give ‘em a Reminder: For an extra bit of fun, provide the group with ice cream scoops sporting the company logo. They’ll remember the event – and the company – next time they dig into a pint of Ben and Jerry’s at home. Add an appropriate motto to the scoop such as “Digging in Together” or “(Company Name) Employees are Cool!”

Remember, it’s not always the big fancy hullabaloo that’s needed. Just a break in routine, a reason to get together, and the simple reminder to employees that they’re thought of and appreciated.

Like the ice cream scoops? We’ve got ‘em. Just contact us at 1-888/664-6449 to order today. We’re a pretty speedy bunch (who thoroughly enjoys ice cream) so you’ll have them in time for your special event.

Job Got You Down? A Few Tips for Livening Up Your Day

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:12 +0000

Work Not as Fun as it Used to Be? Finding Job Excitement Again May be Simpler than You Think.

Not every day is filled with excitement. We don’t always show up for work remembering why we were so enthusiastic about getting the job in the first place. Yes, it’s true, some days just aren’t that hot. But when you work in a department like HR, attitude is a pretty important thing. So how do you give those workday doldrums a kick in the pants? Here are a few suggestions:

Start a New Project. Oftentimes we get down on our job because we’re simply bored with it. That’s normal, a part of the ebb and flow of everyday life. Try taking on a new project, something that benefits everyone and/or makes your job easier. You may just find that with a fresh focus, you’ll get excited about work again.

Plan an Event for Your Coworkers. I’m not talking about a big black tie affair. But something simple–a group activity either scheduled during working hours (like a lunchtime ice cream social) or after hours (a night of karaoke and pizza) will not only give you a break from the daily grind, it’ll give everyone a chance to bond over more than just the usual salad in the breakroom.

Buy a Fish. Sounds weird, but it works. I used to keep a beta fish at my desk, and he was fantastic company. I sure miss Ed.

Make a List. Make yourself a list of all the reasons you wanted this particular job or career path in the first place. Chances are, there are one or two items on your list that haven’t been your focus lately. For example, maybe you really wanted to be there for people, to make a difference in their lives. How can you get back to achieving that and making it a part of your day again? Rediscovering what it is you love about your job is a fantastic motivator.

With just a little time to think things over, you may find the reasons you’re unsatisfied are pretty simple. Sure, there’s always the chance you’ve simply outgrown your job, but before you give it up for boredom or turn in your resignation, take a good look out for simple fixes. Sometimes the best jobs are right under your nose.