Over time, and regardless of pay, hard working employees can become discouraged and/or unmotivated within their roles. Like any well operating machine, hard working employees require attention to ensure that they continue to operate at peak performance.

Employees want their work to be appreciated, and to know that their role within the company is an important one.

When management frequently acknowledges an employee’s efforts, it builds the employee’s morale which will help ensure that they continue to perform at a high level.

How to Keep Employees Motivated

•Recognize good work as soon as possible, as it will have a greater effect on employees. This also builds employees confidence in their abilities. Annual reviews should NOT be the only time an employee receives feedback.

•Acknowledge employees; greet them each morning and say goodbye each evening, and say "thank you". Showing appreciation is an easy but effective motivator.

•It is important for visible staff such as management to keep and show a positive attitude around the workplace and around staff. A positive attitude influences staff to feel the same. Management MUST lead by example.

•Keep employees informed about happenings within the practice. Rumors passed along the grapevine, without clarification from management, can create low morale throughout the office.

•Take employees for what they are and not what you want them to be. All employees, at some point, will make a mistake. It is important for management to use these occurrences as training opportunities rather than opportunities for discipline.

•Ensure that each employee experiences some sort of growth or diversity within the job, otherwise they may become bored while performing the same tasks on a daily basis.

•Allow employees periods of time to rest and relax. When employees are putting their best efforts forward during a full day’s work, a few moments of downtime allows them to relax and refresh.

•Be open to employee concerns and express willingness to change.

•Provide bonuses if able to.