It is important for an employee to be aware of their importance and have the opportunity for self-realization. Also, a favorable environment in the team affects his work efficiency. But many managers do not pay attention to intangible motivation.
Competent leaders and business owners understand that introducing a non-material incentive system will motivate employees at no additional cost. It is only when it comes down to it that no one can remember a single method other than a framed photograph with the words "Best Worker" in it. Think a couple of times about employee training, health insurance, or general paid meals. But these methods cannot be directly called intangible, since money is still spent on them.
Non-financial motivation is a free incentive system. What can be attributed to intangible incentives?
- free or flexible working hours;
- additional days off;
- praise from the leader;
- the possibility of promotion;
- loyal attitude of the management to the style of clothing;
- the opportunity to speak openly with the manager about their difficulties and achievements;
- and other methods.
- Non-financial motivation increases the level of comfort at work, ensures stability in the company, reduces staff turnover and strengthens the corporate spirit. A flexible work schedule or career prospects compensate for low wages, and a friendly atmosphere in the team - the lack of corporate events.
- Material motivation - bonuses and bonuses - is often not enough. This is especially felt at major events. There are many examples of people leaving high-paying jobs due to burnout and loss of interest in the job. Personal praise from a manager, from the bottom of his heart, will become a stronger motivation for an employee at such a moment than money.
- We will not name names, but we will give an example that our client told us. He is the head of a large international organization. No matter how busy he is, he will always find the time to write a thank you letter for the employees who excelled this month. This Certificate of Commendation, stamped and signed by the manager, awakens in employees a desire to work effectively and fight for personal gratitude. According to the client, this works better than cash bonuses. Employees appreciate the praise of the manager and are happy to decorate the wall of their workplace with a letter of thanks.
Non-material motivation is strategic in nature, aimed at the long term. One-time cash incentive will not be remembered by your employee. Of course, this method of motivation cannot be neglected either, they should be used in combination and demonstrate loyalty to employees by all available methods.When developing a motivation system for your employees (yes, it should be drawn up at the beginning of the year and adhered to as far as possible), it is important to take into account the parameters of the team: age, social status, position in life, since all these characteristics affect a person's priorities in life and work. Spend time talking with employees, find out what worries them and what may be the reasons for losing interest in work. The analysis will help to understand what motivation system operates in the company, what employees think about it, how positive the experience of using it is, and so on. Many managers do not consider it necessary to dialogue with employees and believe that giving them additional freedom will result in reduced productivity and doubts about the authority of their bosses.
If you are the head of a company, then try to put yourself in the shoes of your employees and think about the conditions in which you would be comfortable working. Only your employees know how good they will be. Your task is to ask, apply and observe effective work.