Imagine spending each workday surrounded by positive, energized and creative people. Tackling problems and working together to achieve goals may still be challenging, but it's noticeably easier when every team member has a good attitude, a robust work ethic and genuinely cares about her job. How can you form such a dream team? It's not just a matter of finding the right employees, but motivating them always to do their best. Motivation is crucial for not only employee morale, but also for the company's bottom line.

Motivation in the Workplace

Employees who feel motivated tend to take the initiative, develop creative solutions to problems and even inspire coworkers to give their best performances as well. Demotivated employees don't do any of that. Rather, they tend to put in lackluster performances that can seriously damage your bottom line. According to a Gallup poll, U.S. businesses lose approximately $960 billion-to-$1.2 trillion each year as a result of poor employee motivation. However, even the most upbeat employees need a certain type of company culture to thrive. As a manager or business owner, cultivating and developing motivation in the workplace could be the key to employee retention and the overall success of your business.

Strategies for Employee Motivation

One of the best ways to motivate employees is to recognize a job well done. Recognition motivates many people. It shows employees that their managers pay attention to and value their work. Recognition can be as simple as giving praise during a routine meeting, or it can be as elaborate as a luxury vacation package or a bonus.

Recognition also helps employees feel like they are good at what they do and make a difference within the company. Feedback is also vital to many employees. You may be in the habit of giving employees periodic formal reviews, but remember to keep an open line of communication with your employees to provide ongoing, timely praise and constructive criticism as well.

Also, lead by example. When you, as the business owner or manager, have a positive attitude and always give your best effort, your employees feel motivated to follow in your footsteps. If, on the other hand, you give up halfway through projects and continually talk about how the company is doomed to fail, then you can't blame your employees for having a lackluster work ethic or gloomy attitude. Why should they try hard if it doesn't matter?

Motivation in the workplace is the magic that inspires employees to improve their abilities and do an even better job. It is also the key contributing factor to employees' overall growth and leads to their advancement within the organization. A motivated workforce ultimately leads to the company's growth so make employee motivation the centerpiece of your company culture and a key management strategy for best results.