HR Update - Performance check

Struggling to maintain momentum as we head towards the year-end? Jacqui Mann of HR4 Nurseries offers four simple ideas to engage and motivate your staff

Here are four simple things you can do to increase your staff’s engagement with your setting.

1. Make fun a priority

Don’t misunderstand me here. You need balance. You need to make sure fun doesn’t become distracting and detrimental to your business. That said, don’t underestimate the impact of allowing your team to have a laugh along the way. Fun is a great way to let off a bit of steam, reduce stress, and help bond team members.

2. Have a shared purpose

Take the time to create a purpose statement that truly reflects who you are, what you want to achieve, and who you want to impact. Involve your team in the creation of your purpose statement. You can set the expectations and guidelines, but involving your key people in this decision can be hugely engaging. Write this in words that are easy to understand.

3. Reward strong performance creatively

Without question, money can be a massive motivator. A financial bonus or a pay rise can be a powerful way to recognise and reward brilliant performance. But it is not the only option.

It is important to understand that not everyone is motivated by money. In fact, you could find that more creative rewards have a far greater impact on the individual in question and overall team morale. Discover what drives your staff and then reward them appropriately.

4. Get the team together

A key part of building a brilliant team is to foster good working relationships between the different members of staff.

How individual team members interact has a big bearing on atmosphere, morale, and performance. The last thing you want is people dreading going to work – that’s going to undermine your success significantly.

Explore opportunities to get the team together in a relaxed, informal way. Do this and you can encourage friendships and collaboration, both of which help increase engagement. The most effective bosses recognise the impact motivated staff have on their business success. So what are you going to do?