It is a fact that most successful businesses are full of motivated staff. They are more committed to their work, pay more attention to detail, make customer service their most important criteria, and most of all enjoy what they are doing. The business thrives from their extra input and they are rewarded for this success.

So, if the key to success is motivation, then how can a business motivate its staff?

MONEY - The starting point is obviously money. Employees have to feel that they are paid a reasonable amount in order to make ends meet. You can’t get the best out of someone if they are constantly worrying about debts and bills, but then again,  someone who brings these problems to the office may not be the sort of person who you will be able to motivate.

ENTHUSIASM - This has to be instilled in everyone, from the top down.  Enthusiasm at the top spreads quickly through the office, and then from your staff out to your customers.  Everyone in your business is vibrant and alive, looking for ways to help one another and your customers. Watch carefully for the terminally morose, as their attitude can quickly affect others. These people should have been weeded out at interview stage, but they are sly and may have disguised their affliction, so now is the time to get rid of them

SELF WORTH - The next most important thing is the employee’s feeling of worth in the business. They need to feel that their opinion is valued, that they have some input to the general direction of the business and to the decisions it makes. Constructive ideas and suggestions need to be encouraged and the staff need to see that some of these come to fruition. They have to feel that they are working with the business and not just for the business.

SUPPORT – No one can do everything, and the strain of trying to do so soon drains any enthusiasm and motivation from a person. Help and assistance from colleagues is of paramount important for a successful business. At all costs you must avoid the negative atmosphere of jealousy, self importance, envy, and distrust. These will kill your business and you must get rid of any staff who demonstrate these emotions. It will be a lot harder to change their character than it will to find someone else

ENVIRONMENT – Often overlooked, especially when money is tight, is the working environment. You may have got the right attitude from your staff but you need to give them the right workspace to get the best from them.  Comfortable office chairs and decent desks are just the start. Quality lighting, air- conditioning, comfortable meeting rooms and rest or break out areas are essential equipment for a successful business, but are so often overlooked. Staff need to feel proud of what they are doing and where they work, and comfortable quality surroundings will help them to feel this.

Research has proved that investment in quality office furniture and workspace yields a very high return with regard to staff satisfaction, performance, efficiency, and reduced absenteeism, but many businesses fail to quantify this investment, preferring to save money at the point of purchase.
Successful businesses know that having the right staff and attitude is the key and all of the factors above are essential to making sure that the key fits.