In this ‘great resignation” era we all need to work hard to engage and retain the top talent on our teams. One way to motivate employees is to remind them how their job helps others.
Employees desperately want to feel engaged. Nine out of 10 people would take lower compensation to do more meaningful work. And engaged employees perform better, experience less burnout, and stay in jobs longer. To nudge your team into this transformational mindset, turn their attention to the key groups their work may be serving each day.
Clients or customers
Look for ways to make your employees’ impact more tangible than just revenue and profit. Collect testimonials to share with your team, invite clients to speak at meetings, and keep a list of real people positively affected by your products or services.
Colleagues
Ask your team “What would it look like if we all decided to serve each other the same way we serve clients?” Brainstorming around this question will lead to a culture of encouragement, support, and compassion.
Community
Think about your organization’s broader context. What opportunities does your team have to serve your community right now? Encourage and incentivize your employees to engage in these opportunities.
Loved one
Even on hard days, remind your team to take comfort in the fact that their work is an act of service to those they love—whether it’s families they’re supporting, people they’re providing care for, or charitable works they’re contributing to.
Harvard Business Review
