How to Keep Employees Highly Motivated? 3 Core Issues That Need Adjustment | Safe and Sound

A successful business does not only rely on business strategy or advanced technology but also depends greatly on the spirit and motivation of the staff. So how to maintain the enthusiasm and passion of employees in their work? In this article, Safe and Sound's psychologist will analyze the important factors that affect employees' motivation and propose strategies to help maintain a team of employees who are always full of energy, committed and dedicated for the long term.

Ngo Thi Sang | Master of Educational Psychology – Applied mental health care Safe and Sound

Institute of Medical Technology Applications

1. Understand employee motivation

1.1 Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

Understanding employee intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

To maintain employees' enthusiasm for work, it is necessary to first understand where their motivation comes from. According to psychologists, work motivation can be divided into two main types: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic motivation comes from a love of and a desire to develop oneself. Employees with strong intrinsic motivation often work with a spirit of self-discipline, initiative and creativity without much external motivation. They feel that their work is meaningful, helping them learn, develop skills and achieve personal achievements. When a person loves their work, it is easy for them to maintain enthusiasm even without direct rewards or recognition.

On the contrary, psychologists say, extrinsic motivation is related to factors such as salary, benefits, reputation, recognition from superiors and colleagues. A person may not be too passionate about the job but still do well because of the benefits they receive. However, external motivation is often not sustainable if not accompanied by internal motivation. If an employee only works for salary, they can easily lose enthusiasm when they feel they are not treated fairly or when there is a better opportunity.

Therefore, to help employees maintain long-term enthusiasm, businesses need to combine both factors: ensuring employees have strong enough external motivation, while encouraging and nurturing internal motivation by creating a meaningful and inspiring working environment.

1.2 Factors affecting work spirit

Employee morale is not only influenced by personal motivation but also by many other factors. Psychologists share that some important factors that can affect employee enthusiasm include:

- Job satisfaction : When a person feels that their job is interesting, suitable for their interests and personal abilities, they will work with a more positive attitude. On the contrary, if the job is too boring or unsuitable, employees will easily fall into a state of depression, working only to fulfill their responsibilities.

- Recognition and appreciation from superiors : Everyone wants their efforts to be recognized. If employees feel that their efforts are not properly appreciated, they will lose motivation to work and contribute.

- Opportunities for development and advancement : Psychologists emphasize that when employees see a clear path for their career development within the company, they will tend to work more actively. Conversely, if they feel that the job has no prospects, they may lose enthusiasm and look for other opportunities.

Corporate culture and work environment affect work morale

- Company culture and working environment : A positive, friendly, and supportive working environment will help employees feel more comfortable and attached. If the company culture is too stressful, unfairly competitive, or lacks support, it will be difficult for employees to maintain long-term working spirit.

- Stress level and workload : According to psychologists, if the job is too stressful, the requirements are too high or the workload is too heavy, employees can easily become exhausted and lose enthusiasm. On the contrary, if the job is too easy and has no challenges, they can also feel bored and lose motivation to work.

2. How to keep employees enthusiastic about work

How to keep employees enthusiastic about work is one of the big questions and challenges of businesses. Below are some ways to help employees maintain enthusiasm for work suggested by psychology experts of Safe and Sound.

2.1 Create a positive working environment

The working environment has a direct impact on the psychology and performance of employees. A comfortable, friendly working space helps them reduce stress and work more effectively.

- Ensure good facilities : Comfortable tables and chairs, suitable lighting, and airy working space help employees feel comfortable while working.

- Encourage a healthy work culture : Building a culture of respect, openness, encouraging creativity and mutual support will help employees feel more connected to the organization.

- Reduce unnecessary pressure : A work environment that is too stressful and pressurized can reduce motivation to work. Flexible policies on time and reasonable compensation will help employees maintain enthusiasm.

2.2 Timely recognition and encouragement

Employees always want to feel that their efforts are recognized. A well-timed compliment can be a greater motivator than any bonus.

- Recognize individual and collective efforts : Managers should regularly praise employees when they do a good job, not only verbally but also in forms such as commendation emails, small rewards or promotion opportunities.

- Organize recognition events : Businesses can organize small meetings or events to honor outstanding individuals, helping them feel valued in the group.

- Create development opportunities : Not just rewards, giving opportunities to learn and advance is also an effective way to motivate employees.

2.3 Ensure work-life balance

Work-life balance

Employees find it difficult to stay motivated if they are constantly overloaded. A company that cares about the personal lives of its employees will help them maintain their energy for long-term work.

- Limit unnecessary overtime : Working continuously without rest time will easily make employees exhausted. Businesses should encourage employees to have reasonable relaxation time.

- Encourage team bonding activities : Trips, team-building sessions or even fun lunch breaks with colleagues can help employees recharge.

- Mental health care : Businesses can organize mental health support programs such as psychological counseling, yoga, and meditation to help employees reduce stress.

2.4 Provide opportunities for learning and development

Employees will lose motivation to work if they feel they have no opportunity to develop in their work. A business that knows how to invest in its employees will create a team that stays committed for the long term.

- New skills training : Organize courses to improve professional expertise and soft skills for employees to continuously develop.

- Provide new challenging opportunities : Psychologists suggest that businesses can give employees more challenging tasks, helping them feel that work is always interesting and not boring.

- Support career advancement : Managers should be transparent about career advancement opportunities, helping employees have clear goals to strive for.

2.5 Building good relationships between employees and managers

The connection between employees and leaders plays an important role in maintaining motivation. A boss who listens and supports will create a team of loyal and enthusiastic employees.

- Encourage two-way communication : Psychologists say that employees need to feel they can express their opinions without fear of being judged. Regular communication will help leaders understand employees' wishes and make appropriate adjustments.

- Resolve conflicts promptly : A work environment with too many conflicts will reduce employee motivation. Managers need to quickly intervene when conflicts arise to maintain a positive working atmosphere.

- Become an inspirational leader : A dedicated, visionary and motivating boss will help motivate employees to contribute.

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- The Difference Between Depression and Normal Sadness / Is Sadness a Form of Depression?

- Can depression heal itself?