Have you ever walked into a store or a bank and blatantly witnessed an unprofessional employee and vowed never to return? Have you ever run a business and was ready to throw your hands up in the air at a staff that just didn’t care about their service skills? Have you ever been an employee that was just unmotivated to do better? If so, this is for you.
Professionalism and Motivation
One of the key things to remember is that an employee will not have the motivation to better themselves if an employer puts the focus on the company, not the individual. Motivation comes from within. When an employee sees that it will benefit them in some way, they are more likely to participate in enrichment activities and to act in a more professional manner.
Emphasizing the importance of professionalism, regardless of the trade or industry is not enough. Showing how it will better a person’s life and future will. When they can envision what they can become, what the target is, they will strive to reach it and reach goals to accomplish the mission- which will ultimately benefit the company.
The Employee as an Individual
Each individual arrives to work with the incentive of receiving a paycheck. Some seek career advancement, the development of skills, and the opportunity to advance themselves. When arriving at work just becomes a matter of receiving payment, the company will suffer. Ensuring that the focus is on the individual and what they can accomplish from the new mission of striving to be the best, will stimulate a competitive spirit that will better the company as a whole.
If employees are offered opportunities to grow, that could potentially lead them to climb the social or opportunistic ladder, they will more inclined to increase their motivation. Some employers try to use punitive motivation or punishment to achieve their end result, and this often does not work.
The Employee as Part of the Company
Creating the right environment for company motivation is important. If the morale of the company is low, individual participation will waver. Team building activities are not commonly favoured among employees, and neither are fruitless activities such as journaling, counselling and other soft-hearted approaches.
However, some concrete directives, such as incentives for one’s career or incentives in the environment in itself can inspire motivation. However, the key is to try to motivate employees for the right reasons- to improve themselves without a monetary or environmental reward. In order to do that, the company mission and vision much reflect that, and it needs to stem from the top down.
Offer Resources and Incentives
An employee who does not have the resources to grow will is less likely to seek them out. If an employer offers seminars, webinars, training, classes, materials and other resources to help grow professionalism in employees, they will be grateful for the opportunity to take the day to learn something new and will bring back a whole new attitude and motivation.
Finding the right resources will take a little bit of research, but the ones that stimulate motivation first and professionalism second and the ones that you want to focus on.
Incentives can be costly, but they can provide a great result. Examples of incentives can range from monetary- including raises and paid vacation time, or they can include changing things at the office. Employers can offer their staff an allotment for professional clothing, amenities on site, and rewards programs as profit grows due to impactful professionalism
Set the Example
There are many organizations, platforms and websites available to assist employers with products and resources. A good place to start can be programmed such as Power2Motivate which helps employees to grow well. Employers, just like their employees, need access to information and motivation to continue their growth, so that they can pass along new ideas and sources of inspiration that will keep them on target.
By setting the example, and showing employees that you are willing to grow by expanding your own resources and want to grow professionally, they are more likely to follow your lead. If you want your employees to act professional, set a standard they can follow and see, not just read or listen to.
There are many studies that conclude that professionalism in the workplace save employers an ample amount of money each year, and help to boost ratings from customers who are satisfied with staff that demonstrates they are happy with their work environment and who enjoy their job.
Employers who take the time to increase motivation from the inside of the individual to the outside of the company can increase professionalism by providing resources and incentives and by demonstrating leadership and examples of the standard starting from the top down.
Incentives can be costly, but they can provide a great result. Examples of incentives can range from monetary- including raises and paid vacation time, or they can include changing things at the office space. Employers can offer their staff an allotment for professional clothing, amenities on site, and rewards programs as profit grows due to impactful professionalism.