What you need to know about employee motivation in the workplace

happy colleagues at work

Employee motivation is a hot topic in the business world.

Many companies struggle with low employee motivation, which can lead to decreased creativity and productivity, and higher rates of absenteeism and staff turnover. So, what is employee motivation?

Quite simply, employee motivation is the desire to do something. It’s the urge to be productive, achieve a goal, and contribute to a company’s success. Employees who are motivated are more likely to be engaged, take pride in their work, and be willing to go the extra mile.

Many factors can influence employee motivation and in this post, we will share what you need to know about employee motivation. Keep reading!

Popular theories

There are two popular theories of employee motivation that you can explore to improve motivation in your workplace.

The first is the equity theory, which suggests that employees are motivated by the need to feel like they’re being treated fairly. This theory is based on the idea that employees will work harder if they feel like they’re contributing equally to the company and their work is valued by the management.

The second is the expectancy theory, which suggests that employees are spurred by the belief that their efforts will lead to their desired outcome. Essentially, employees will be more pumped if they believe that their hard work will lead to a promotion, and less motivated if they think it will lead to a negative outcome such as job dissatisfaction.

How to get started
coworkers discussing work in the office

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So, how do you motivate your employees? No one answer will work for every business, but there are a few things you can do to get started.

One way to keep employee motivation high is to discuss the future of the company with them. Letting employees in on upcoming plans, goals, and implementations gives them a sense of purpose and shows them that their contributions are valued.

Additionally, implementing a recognition program can also help to boost employee morale. Giving employees awards, bonuses, or special perks for a job well done is a great way to show your appreciation and acknowledgment. You can also consider having a sabbatical leave policy in place.

Finally, fostering a fun and positive work environment is key in keeping employee motivation high. Organizing team-building activities, offering flexible work hours, and having regular company outings are all great ways to make employees feel appreciated and satisfied at work.

There are many things business owners can do to improve employee motivation in the workplace. Some of the most effective methods include providing updates, offering incentives, and creating an optimistic work environment. By using these tips, business owners can help their employees feel more involved and inspired to work harder and produce more pleasing results in the long run.

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What to do if your child cries before going to school

toddler crying

Many infants experience attachment issues at eight months, which make them cry and scream anytime their caregiver is absent. The ability to remember specific individuals when they aren’t around is a mental ability that goes hand in hand with this fear.

In a sense, your infant starts picturing you in their head when you aren’t around, and they miss your warmth and affection. Additionally, young kids lack a sense of time duration, so they cannot tell if you will be gone for a minute or a couple of days.

Saying goodbye when it’s time to leave the kids off at school should be swift, tender, and followed up with a promise to return. Keep reading if you want to know what to do if your child cries before going to school.

Use a scent

Spray some scent on your wrist and then brush some on the wrist of your toddler if it isn’t too overbearing. When they wish to stay close to you, encourage them to sniff this distinct fragrance. Although it may sound strange, scents do carry powerful emotional associations.

Have a farewell routine

A goodbye ritual gives your child comfort and security so they know what to expect. This might be any particular cuddle or fist bump that you and your kid decide on. And after you’re done, it’s essential to leave right after so your child won’t become distracted by your lingering presence.

Cultivate good sleeping habits
a mother kissing her daughter on the forehead

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Children who are exhausted are frequently sensitive and irritable; in other words, they are prepared for a pre-school separation emotional breakdown. So, begin cultivating some timely sleeping practices; for instance, sleeping at 9 pm and waking up at 6 am. You may also couple this practice by preparing an energizing breakfast to help your child overcome sleepiness.

Bring along a sentimental object

Many of us indeed find it challenging to venture into the unknown, but children find it especially challenging. Giving your toddler a special object that he or she can keep at school will help them adjust to the change. Maybe it’s their favorite plush toy that has been stashed away in their bag? A special item around will help them ease into unfamiliar circumstances.

Drop-offs might leave you feeling bad, notably if the last moment you witness was your kid crying. But that, too, can be deceiving. In actuality, they may either have stopped sobbing shortly after you left or probably didn’t cry all day. Ask the teacher about how your child handled it when you pick your child up. If you’re worried, phone the office after two hours to find out how long it took for your kid to settle down and if he or she is coping well in your absence. Remember that this too shall pass.

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Ways to overcome recurring nightmares

a woman frustrated after a nightmare

We all experience nightmares. However, there are moments when it feels so vivid, realistic, and terrifying that you can’t wait to get out of bed.

We have dreams for a variety of causes. According to some interpretations, dreams represent the feelings we’ve felt throughout the day and could also be a sign of trauma. If you’ve been through a terrible situation, you’re likely to suffer nightmares shortly afterward. This could be our brain’s attempt to absorb and give meaning to the events that have unfolded.

Can’t wait to get rid of those dreams? Let’s look at some ways to overcome recurring nightmares.

Review drugs

Allergy medications, antidepressant drugs, and blood pressure pills are just a few of the many substances that might have a negative impact on your dreams. Medications that impact the hormones that control our emotions and attentiveness are known to cause unsettling nightmares as a side effect. As a result, it’s a good idea to reassess those drugs with your doctor.

Rewrite the storyline
writing with a fountain pen

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Every evening, imagine the horror but with a fresh, pleasant conclusion. You can almost train your thoughts to modify the nightmare this way. You may not succeed every time, but there’s still the possibility of it working if you imagine it shortly before heading to bed. Visualize the nightmare unfolding, but then conclude in a way that you’re pleased with can alter the occurrence after some time. Perhaps the ‘demon’ pursuing you will stop and flee in the opposite direction and never be seen again.

Cut down on alcohol

Because alcohol makes you lethargic and may cause you to fall asleep much easier, it may appear to be a tempting approach to calm the mind. Unfortunately, it interrupts your slumber, hindering you from accessing the mending and replenishing deep sleep phases.

In addition, alcohol reduces rapid eye movement (REM). Drinking excessively is the same as robbing yourself of REM sleep. This causes REM rebound, which means you will have greater chances for vivid nightmares the next time you tuck in for dreamland. Furthermore, for a person who drinks frequently, abstaining from alcohol even for a day causes more nightmares than the average person who drinks occasionally.

Even though everyone has recurring dreams at some point in their lives, some of us have them more frequently than others, particularly those who are already struggling with mental health difficulties. In some situations, though, you may experience frequent nightmares as a result of your emotional processing differing from that of others. Regardless, consider the suggestions above to assist you in overcoming recurring nightmares, and let’s be on our way to better shuteye from tonight.

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How to write a proper resignation letter

resignation letter

Writing a letter of resignation is just one more barrier to overcome before moving on to the next stage of your vocation journey.

But, before you become too excited to call it quits, it’s critical to keep a professional demeanor. The goal is to maintain a polite approach. Make sure your resignation letter isn’t a lengthy list of complaints. You may end up working for the company again in the future, or you might run into your direct supervisor in a formal setting. As a result, keep your letter positive, if not, neutral.

Read for tips on how to write a proper resignation letter.

Say thank you

Thanking your boss for the chance and expressing some of the important skills you’ve learned and appreciated is always a smart approach. Even if you’re delighted to be quitting, just do so anyway. Understand that you may need these folks as references in the future, and ending on a nice note will bring about a lasting impression.

Don’t complain

Concerns or criticisms of the organization or your teammates should not be included in resignation letters. Don’t whine, stick to the truth, and keep it straightforward. As mentioned earlier, you might need a recommendation from the company, hence, it’s critical to leave on a good note. Furthermore, since you’ve already decided to resign, it’s pointless to bring up the nitty-gritty.

Provide timestamps

In formal writing, timestamps are usually provided by including the time and date. Provide this information at the top of the page if you want to draft a letter and print a hard copy to submit to your HR manager. In addition, while most employers require a month’s notice, your supervisor may have specific instructions regarding when you should leave. First, ask your boss, then write down the exact date of your final day at work.

Before you go… Cooperate with the handover.
teaching a coworker

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You must take an active stance in aiding in any leave protocols and obligations, as your exit can be stressful for your bosses and current colleagues, especially if you’re departing during peak season. Exit interviews, comprehensive handovers, and punctual project fulfillment are just a few examples. Before you change jobs, you may also volunteer to train a successor if the company can recruit one in time.

Now, all that stands between you and your next career venture is sending your current employer your resignation letter. The official letter you send to your bosses will set the standard for your remaining days as well as your relationship in the future. So it’s wise to spend the effort polishing up this one-month notice letter. And last but not least, congrats on finding a new job!

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4 Telltale Signs that You Don’t Make Enough Cash

It can be immensely frustrating to feel stuck in a financial rut with no means out. You may think that you earn decent money, but still struggle each month. Whether you are overspending or not making enough money, these problems can lead to big trouble!

Consider these financial issues and how to solve them.

#1: CONSTANT FINANCIAL WORRIES

There is a difference between worrying about covering your necessities and worrying about unexpected car repairs. Constant worries about money can keep you up at night.

Put these worries to rest by creating a realistic plan. A budget allows you to plan out your purchases within a certain period. Moreover, an emergency fund can help you cover unexpected costs.

#2: RELIANCE ON CREDIT CARDS

One of the surefire signs that you are having financial problems is your reliance on credit cards to cover all your finances. If you need the help of credit cards to manage between paychecks, your balance can trap you. The solution is easier said than done – stop using your credit cards and leave within your means.

#3: UNABLE TO COVER BILLS

It is important to act quickly when you are not able to pay the bills on a monthly basis. Look for ways to reduce your bills and increase your income.

Start by cutting down your unnecessary costs. Trimming back luxuries across the board such as bringing your mobile plan down and canceling your cable television can help. Instead of eating out, you can cook at home to follow your meal plan.

#4: INABILITY TO HANDLE EMERGENCIES

It is difficult to grow your savings when you are stretched tight each month. However, the inability to create an emergency fund can lead to reliance on credit cards. Eventually, your credit card payments will grow detrimentally.

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Set up an emergency fund by starting slow. You can put aside an extra S$50 per pay period and build from there.

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