When it comes to motivating employees, money isn’t everything.
Sure, people have to make enough money to pay their bills.
But when getting them to put in additional effort for the team, it takes more than a good paycheck.
Fortunately, the best motivators often are relatively easy, inexpensive, and can be a whole lot of fun.
Try a few of these ideas at your practice, and see if your team is more willing to go the extra mile.
Name names and say thank you
It might seem obvious, but many leaders miss it.
Stay on mission
Make sure your team is aware of the mission.
When your team is aware of the larger goal that their work is a part of, they’ll feel an investment in the organization and have a reason to work hard to achieve that organization’s goals.
Pat backs
When your employees do a good job, make sure they know that you know.
You can acknowledge the work of a team or point out individuals who’ve gone above and beyond.
Just make sure the message gets through.
Don’t assume they know you value them.
Be specific
Acknowledging a job well done is most effective when the acknowledgment is specific.
For example, “Mr. Jones, because you were able to get this patient in today, he will not have to go to the hospital. You helped give excellent care.”
This not only recognized the employee for his work, it recognized his role in the organization and its mission.
Not just the boss
It’s great to be recognized by the boss, but the practice shouldn’t stop at the top.
Encourage employees to recognize, thank and support each other.
Build that culture of support and kindness.
Have fun
Work culture is important.
People want to work at a place that’s fun.
It’s easier than you might think to make your practice a fun place to work.
Offer simple amenities, such as free snacks and pleasant break rooms.
Holiday parties are also a great way to build a welcoming office culture.
You can probably think of dozens of fun ideas to boost office culture.
It’s a good idea to let employees take the lead on this.
Let them develop their own culture.
