by Rachel Harmon of Cristaux International
It’s difficult to make employees happy after failed raise negotiations. However, there are many other ways to create value for team members. Modern workforces become more flexible and change priorities. When figuring out how to keep employees motivated, it’s important to consider what staff members need and what the company can do for them.
Why Is It Important to Motivate Employees Without Raises?
Employees are the core of an organization. They do great things and help companies grow. Although it’s crucial for staff to earn a livelihood, it’s also important to develop a team who is truly inspired by things other than money. Perhaps they want to make a positive difference in the world or to advance their career. Ultimately, there are countless benefits to motivating team members.
- Greater employee engagement and productivity
- Increased employee loyalty and retention
- Lower rates of absenteeism
- Improved customer service and satisfaction
- Stronger and more positive workplace relationships
8 Ways to Motivate Employees
When deciding how to inspire team members without raises, it’s essential to balance employee desires and company capabilities. Often times, cost-effective solutions have the greatest impact. Consider the following ideas for your organization.
1. Company Benefits.
When raises can’t be negotiated, offering added benefits can provide great value for employees. The best company benefits appeal to employee goals and lifestyles. Popular choices include retirement aid, paid time off, and flexible work environments. Overall, it’s important to balance staff needs and the organization’s budget. A company is most supportive within its means.
2. Recognition Awards.
Recognition awards and gifts give employees something tangible to remind them how much their leaders appreciate their hard work. When deciding what to create for your team, remember to design something purposeful and special. If employees receive something that was made with little meaning or thought, then they may become less motivated. When done well, recognition programs drive employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
3. Inclusive Leadership.
A culture of inclusion starts with those in leading positions. By prioritizing inclusion and diversity, leaders show they truly care about supporting all employees. With executives leading the charge, others will follow in their footsteps and help develop a positive company culture. It may be beneficial to evaluate current practices and to see what should change. With a strategy in mind, leaders can organize training for managers, individualized coaching for employees, fair promotions, and more.
4. Professional Development.
If raise negotiations fail, then consider investing in employees’ growth. By providing professional development opportunities, leaders invest in the future of their team and business. Examples include supplying education stipends, sponsoring training, and hosting industry speakers and experts.
5. Mentoring Program.
High-impact mentoring can help connect team members and develop future leaders. This provides employees with career development, while developing workplace camaraderie. Also, company-wide mentorship motivates employees to learn and advance their craft. This can drive engagement and productivity without raises.
6. Team Building.
Culture can make or break a company. By focusing on the workplace environment, leaders help employees create enduring relationships. Examples of team building include
- Praising achievements publicly and one-on-one
- Organizing events for staff to get to know each other
- Learning more and developing relationships with individual team members
- Having fun at potluck lunches and office happy hour
7. Staff Survey.
Successful businesses know the importance of evolving and evaluating their progress. One of the most effective ways to support employees to by asking them what they want and need. By requesting them to complete a staff survey, you invite them to offer you guidance and ideas on what is best for them. It’s common to ask about company benefits, culture, and satisfaction.
8. Incentives and Healthy Competition.
Healthy workplace competition encourages employees to be more engaged, while developing their skills and relationships. Team members become more motivated with employee incentives in sight. However, it’s crucial to use a reward that is worth working hard for. For instance, added paid time off or an ungraded office could inspire greater productivity.
Evolve with Your Employees
The best motivation for employees changes with time, shifting needs, and more. By being receptive to new ideas, you can inspire team members in effective ways. Specialized support will empower a business to evolve alongside its staff, encouraging success for years to come.
Rachel Harmon is a content writer for Cristaux International – a Chicago-based manufacturing company specializing in awards, gifts, and trophies. As part of a dedicated team, she works hard to develop strategic content. Her work elevates the Cristaux brand and uses the digital and human elements of marketing.
