September, 27---Motivating Employees(R)

Motivating Employees

Individual Recognition: Most U.S. employees appreciate individual recognition. They generally like to feel that their organization values them as separate, distinct people, and not just part of the group. As a result, Americans tend to be driven more by personal gain or recognition than by group rewards such as enhanced company image or better customer relations. In general, Americans feel that each person’s performance should be judges and rewarded on an individual basis promotion, accompanied by a salary increase, is the most prestigious form of reward.

 

Training and Development

Americans are great believes in self-improvement. Many companies have internal training courses for technical or management skills. Companies also send employees to conferences and seminars and will sometimes even cover the cost of tuition for a graduate degree for promising employees.

 

Feedback

Positive feedback is a form of individual recognition that lets an employee know when he or she has performed well. Indentifying and giving constructive feedback on areas in which an employee needs to improve is also motivating. Feedback on how to improve is also important.

 

Input

Although the American decision-making style is often characterized as relatively top-down, Americans like to be consulted and have an opportunity to give input. It gives employees a sense of involvement and responsibility, whereas simply having decisions handed down and imposed may be demotivating.

 

Fun

Employees spend a good percentage of their life at work, and therefore want to create an enjoyable atmosphere.

 

Key Points

Regular feedback and training provide values opportunities for self-improvement.

Americans like to be consulted and have an opportunity to give input respecting company decisions.

A work environment that is considered to be “fun” will attract many Americans.