There’s no “I” in team… Organizing and working as a team at work is vital to the success of the company. You normally spend more hours with your team at work during the week than with your family! A happy, motivated team can be a powerful tool for the company. Like any group of people, sometimes your team can be unmotivated and unhappy. If you have encountered this problem and don’t know how to fix it, here are three keys to motivate your team.

If you know what makes each team member tick, you know how to motivate him or her. Get to know your team better by asking about hobbies, musical tastes or food preferences. You’ll create a sense of connection, and you may discover some shared interests among the group.

This is also a great way to discover an employee’s strengths or career goals that may have gone previously unnoticed. The more you know about your team, the easier it is to place them in roles that best utilize their skill sets and help them grow.

Remember, don’t ask just for the sake of asking. Take a genuine interest in your team members as people; they’ll appreciate your effort to build rapport and your willingness to listen.

Research has shown that employees who share ideas experience greater job satisfaction and tend to be more creative and engaged. Motivate your team by encouraging each member to participate in meetings, share new ideas or partner with others to resolve challenges.

This not only has a positive effect for your employees, but also the company: your team will start working together more cohesively and overall productivity will increase.

Another way to keep your staff motivated is to create an environment in which your employees feel comfortable voicing concerns. Even minor stressors that go unaddressed can have a significant effect on an employee’s motivation over time. Let your team know that you’re available to work through problems.Challenge your team to not only share problems, but possible solutions as well. This will make them feel like they’re part of the process and will create a sense of ownership.

Once you receive feedback from your team, make sure to follow up so they know that their concerns were heard and addressed. Even if you fail to get approval for a new policy or idea, relay the information in a timely manner. It will emphasize your commitment to maintaining quality communication and a satisfactory work environment.You don’t need three-day retreats or pricey coaching sessions to get your team motivated. Nothing is more motivational than a manager who is supportive and approachable. Start practicing these three tips, and your team will soon follow suit.

If you would like more tips on how motivating your team or attracting and motivating new hires, contact our team of recruiters today.