8 Ways to Inspire Employee Behavior That You Can Implement Today

Leaders create the vision, set company goals, and develop strategies—but it is front line employees who execute the plan. They are the ones who carry out the daily tasks and initiatives that help make a leader’s vision become a reality. They are the ones who interact daily with the customers who are the life blood of any successful organization.

• Money
• Performance bonuses
• Raises and pay increases
• Company swag
• Extra vacation time

1. Build Pride in the Organization: Ensure your employees see tangible reasons to have pride in their work and their organization, so they know the job they do matters to the organization and to the communities you serve. Share your vision for the organization so everyone understands how the organization contributes—both through business and external activities. What is your purpose versus your tasks? How does your organization contribute to the community? Is it through community events or charity work? How can employees get involved and support their community through the organization?
2. Provide Recognition: Recognize a job well done. A simple thank you can go a long way. Every employee, no matter what position they hold, loves to be recognized for their efforts. Thank employees for doing things outside their job description, for working an extra shift, or for picking up the slack during busy time. Do you have a performance based program that gives employees company wide recognition based on activities and behaviors that align with your core values? People like to be appreciated!
3. Keep your Employees Stimulated: Give your good performers the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and offer challenging assignments regularly. This can be as simple as assigning a special project or offering extra responsibilities that recognize their efforts.
4. Provide Opportunities for Personal Growth: Employees want to move up from their current position. So give them the chance by offering growth opportunities for employees that put in the effort and are great performers. Consider offering a leadership or management program. A lack of opportunities to grow is an emotional letdown for most people.
5. Promote Clarity: Clearly lay out expectations, roles, and responsibilities. It is emotionally taxing when employees are constantly faced with uncertain circumstances and unclear direction. Being clear and consistent when communicating expectations and evaluating performance will create an environment where employees feel confident when they are doing a good job.
6. Create a Positive Work Environment: Establish a clear, well-defined vision of what your ideal work environment should feel like—and then take the necessary steps to work towards that environment. How will people interact with each other? Will there be flexibility in work schedule? What behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated? Work toward a positive work environment that your employees will embrace. A negative work environment is emotionally taxing and will impact employee performance directly.
7. Relationship with Manager: Great managers take the time to build positive relationships with their employees. When emotional connections are built between employees, their managers, and their role in the company, employees will perform at a higher level.
8. Give Your Employees a Voice: Offer employees the opportunity to provide feedback on their position or department. Let them sit in on a manager meeting or treat them to a lunch with a company leader where they can offer their insights and ideas. Not having a voice can be very frustrating.