A motivated professional brings benefits to everyone: to himself, to the work environment and also to the company’s results. Several factors influence a professional’s motivation: self-fulfillment, salary, promotion, approval, recognition , and so on.
In this article, you will better understand what motivation is, its importance in the professional environment and what you can do to awaken it. Are you curious? Then continue reading below and learn everything about the subject!
What is motivation? Why is it important in a professional context?
Motivation is a term that combines two words: motive and action. Motivation, therefore, means finding a reason to act, an internal force that leads us to action. In the case of professional motivation, it consists of this force applied to work. It is what makes us get up in the morning with the desire to work, to enhance our talents and to achieve good results.
Motivated people tend to produce more and achieve better results. However, it is necessary to work on this motivation on a daily basis, preventing the professional from falling into complacency and becoming discouraged. In this sense, motivational campaigns should be part of the company’s projects, ensuring the engagement of both parties involved: company and employee.
How to find professional motivation?
Sometimes we try to stay motivated at work, but nothing seems to work. And then we feel bored, as if we are falling behind. But there are some tips that can significantly contribute to increasing your professional motivation. We can share the responsibility for professional motivation between the organization and the employees, individually. Check out what both can do in this regard.
What can the company do?
1. Pay the employee adequately
First of all, there is no way to avoid the issue: it is necessary to pay a salary that is compatible with the market, with the professional’s education and with the results that he is able to provide to the company, due to his knowledge and skills. No one works for free, and motivation decreases significantly when the employee sees that he is paid less than he should for what he does. Other benefits can also increase motivation, such as: transportation vouchers, food vouchers, health insurance, etc.
2. Give complete and humanized feedback
Secondly, it is important for employees to understand that the role they perform is important in that business context. That is why managers should make feedback a routine, showing employees that their work is seen and recognized. This feedback should be comprehensive, praising the professional’s qualities and pointing out the areas in which they need to improve — but always in a humanized way, that is, motivating the individual, not punishing them.
3. Provide a positive work environment
A positive work environment is one in which the company provides everyone with infrastructure and technologies that are compatible with their activities, so that they can give their best. No one deserves to work in a place with noise, broken chairs, poor lighting, slow internet, etc. In addition, the professional environment also depends on the relationships built between people — colleagues and managers. Arguments, harassment, injustice, gossip and competition undermine anyone’s motivation.
4. Provide opportunities for growth
Another core element for employee motivation is the possibility of growth. If an employee knows that, in that firm, he or she will have more significant responsibilities and can prove his or her ability in more demanding projects, he or she will be more encouraged to remain there. However, if there is no job and salary progression plan, it is only normal for the employees to get demoralized and have high turnover.
What can the professional do?
1. Make your work clear
Make it as clear as possible exactly what you are doing, because there is nothing worse than working every day thinking: what am I doing? Also remember to keep your activities in a visible or measurable place. In addition, try to choose professional opportunities that are compatible with your talents and skills. It is very difficult to stay motivated when working with something that does not give us a minimum of satisfaction and a sense of usefulness.
2. Keep energy high
Often, a lack of engagement and motivation is related to a lack of physical energy to perform tasks. This can be solved simply by getting a good night’s sleep and eating a balanced diet. Therefore, try to always sleep well (approximately 8 hours per night), eat light foods, exercise, etc. Based on these habits, you will see how your energy and motivation will increase.
3. Finish something every day
Have you ever noticed how satisfying it is when you manage to finish a project at the end of the day? So, make it your main goal to finish something every day. It doesn’t have to be something big, but it’s important to set small goals every day. If you only feel satisfied when you achieve big goals, you’ll lose motivation in your daily life. So, give yourself small rewards, celebrating each day’s victory.
4. Get along well with people
The organizational climate does not only depend on the leaders of a company, but also on the coexistence of employees in general. Therefore, if you want to see more motivation in your work environment , try to get along with everyone in a peaceful manner. Try to be light-hearted and good-humored. In addition, treat everyone with respect and politeness. If you need to disagree or make a criticism, do so in a humane and ethical manner. Avoid creating unnecessary competition.
5. Look for new opportunities when you are unhappy
Finally, if you cannot implement the above advice, or you see that the company you are working for is not doing its fair share to keep its employees motivated, switch. You do not deserve to spend too much time in a position that does not encourage you to labor. Seek out the chance to be happy in your work life — which can involve a change of role, business, or even line of work. Be willing to take a risk and be happy!