Employees are the most valuable assets of an organization or business. Having targeted, attracted and trained them, it is important to know how to keep them motivated, because enthusiastic and committed employees guarantee well-being at work and productivity. Being able to motivate your employees can be a daunting challenge for some companies, but there are original solutions that are accessible to all sizes, types, budgets and circumstances.

Among the 1001 ways to motivate its employees, here are 5 that might surprise you.

1.Motivate by putting fun in important moments

The workspace is still too associated with a place of seriousness where it may seem impossible to have fun or relax. It is essential to know how to integrate moments of pleasure. Christmas, Halloween, or summer parties, companies can highlight special occasions throughout the year, but how do you do it in an original way?

This year, rather than just having a traditional Christmas buffet and greeting cards, why not make things more entertaining? For example, you can hire an artist to give a memorable performance, decorate a wall in collaboration with employee participation, or run a casual workshop. For traditional party photos, why not collaborate with a costume rental company to keep memories of the unique event? To highlight the work of the employees, the general theme of the event can be a wink to the daily efforts of its team.

2. Motivating off the beaten track Team building activities allow employees to be taken out of their comfort zones, while encouraging them to collaborate in a different way. Moreover, these activities can take a different form, which gives the advantage of adapting to budgets, interests and types of groups. A young and dynamic team will enjoy an outing in an urban labyrinth, while a retreat including yoga or a cooking class followed by a wine tasting would be welcome for a wellness group.  The success of a team building activity depends on the respect of simple criteria: does the activity correspond to the values ​​of the company? Does it fit with the spirit of my employees? Will it allow different teams or people to collaborate in a different environment?

3.Motivating through learning

Learning is another effective way to motivate employees. And rather than sending them individually to expensive trainings, why not do it directly at the office? In the context of a congress, a training day or the holding of a “Lunch & Learn”, the interest here is to inspire its employees by inviting experts from outside the office. And to ensure the interest of its employees, why not involve them in the choice of speakers?

4.Motivating through recognition

While more common in large organizations, galas have the advantage of emphasizing the work of their employees in a formal manner, in the presence of administration committees, boards of directors and other members that may less frequently have the opportunity to meet. Often appreciated for their “glamorous” side, they allow employees to get out of their daily lives while revisiting the past year, and on future goals.

 

 

5. Motivate in everyday life It is also possible to motivate its employees outside specific occasions, according to its means and interests. For example, you can organize weekly yoga sessions in the office or another sporting activity. If you have an overhead projector and a comfortable meeting room, why not take advantage of it to arrange lunchtime movie screenings? Budget restricted? Anchoring recurring encounters does not need to be expensive. Establishing the “Thursdays Popcorn” or a monthly potluck are very good opportunities to get together and relax. Whatever the motivation of its employees, the important thing is always to consider the reality and the preferences of its employees.