Article provided by MiWay
In South Africa, we are blessed with many public holidays – some of which turn our weekends into long ones. However, if you feel deflated or demotivated when returning to work after a break – you’re not alone.
Although business might have been good – especially if you’re in retail – be sure to follow our tips below in order to ensure you (and your team) stay productive – motivation is infectious.
- Highlight the good points of getting back to work.
There are plenty of positives about getting back into a routine – your mind and those of your employees just needs to be directed towards them. Collaborating with colleagues is one; another is getting back into a structured pace, as well as making an impact on something you believe in. - Keep things exciting.
Allocate some budget to creating regular events which employees can look forward to. They don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming – something like a lunch or a round of games may help employees stay motivated, get creative and/or feel valued. - Set targets and create new challenges.
It’s much easier to motivate people if they have clear goals to work toward. Job shadowing and part-time courses are good options to consider. If someone works in sales, for example, but is curious about marketing – some cross pollination can only be good for business and create an understanding for other divisions of the business. - Recognise and reward.
Feeling valued is one of the most basic human needs, but sadly it is often overlooked. Deserved praise keeps employees motivated and loyal. Following a system such as ‘star of the month’ encourages your team to work hard and can also encourage friendly competition. - Find ways to increase productivity.
Depending on the industry you are in, there are different ways to improve your team’s productivity and help them to feel happier in their positions. Things like implementing processes to standardise the running of your business, or making use of value-added products like MiBusinessAssist from MiWay means that you are working smartly and giving your business a competitive edge. - Some after-work fun.
Another way to beat the gloomy thought that the holidays are over, is to set up a social get-together after work – or even in the last hour of a day – to meet with colleagues for snacks or an outing.
By following the advice above, you can ensure that your team not only feels comfortable enjoying time off, but that they are also able to return to work motivated and as passionate about your business as you are.
MiWay’s Business Insurance team is serious about providing comprehensive business insurance with the same world-class service you’re accustomed to from MiWay. We’d be happy to help you find the right business insurance cover for your business.