When workers work in groups, companies thrive when members focus more on how they can benefit others and not just themselves, according to research published in the journal Academy of Management. This type of behavior is defined as prosocial motivation, which highlights the social viewpoint of work by emphasizing individual concerns about how their actions can affect others’ well-being. According to the study, prosocially motivated people are described as givers concerned primarily with contributing benefits to others rather than calculating personal returns.
The research was based on 67 teams from six companies and a lab study with 124 student teams at the University of Notre Dame. The study revealed that when staff members looked out for the well-being of others, employees were less likely to leave their teams voluntarily.
The highest level of team effectiveness was performed when team motivation to benefit others, and the interdependence of tasks among team members was both high,” Hu said.
The study’s authors said the study should encourage companies to build teams with employees who keep others’ best interests in mind.
Management attention should be directed toward enhancing motivation to help others, as teamwork is a coordinated action, and showing concern for others may bring about smoother interactions and more effective cooperation within the team,” Hu said.
Based on the research, Hu advised organizations to look at the types of teams they have. Some teams don’t require employees to work together closely. For these teams, Hu suggested administrators increase interaction within the group, add employees who are highly motivated to benefit others, and take a more active role in leading by example.
Hu said teams previously filled with employees focused on others’ well-being could improve their team performance by establishing a higher level of interaction and coordination among members.”
Tips for motivating staff members to work together
Any employer knows that motivation is the key to group productivity, individual performance, and a happy workplace. So, how do you motivate your employees? Here are some easy ways to ensure your employees receive the motivation they crave.
Make the workplace attractive. Employees don’t want to spend their time in a dingy, dull space. Having a well-lit, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment will make work much more pleasant. Make sure employees have access to updated, working equipment. Keeping the space clean and attractive, this will make the environment more enjoyable and, in turn, motivate employees.
Be honest, respectful, and supportive. Employees don’t want to work in an environment where they aren’t respected. The easiest ways to motivate your workers are, to be honest, supportive, and considerate and to have a clear open communication. If employees know that their employer respects and supports them, they will be more loyal to the business.
Offer awards. To keep employees motivated, consider starting an incentive program. It doesn’t have to be monetary; it could be something as simple as a gift card or an employee-of-the-month day off with pay. When employees are rewarded for their hard work, they are more likely to do a good job and perform more efficiently.
Offer room to improve. If the business is growing, a great motivator is to offer your employees room to grow within the company. Not only is the money portion appealing, but employees will also feel respected for their work.
Give positive feedback. Everyone wants to know that they are doing a great job, so don’t hesitate to hand out positive feedback. This includes feedback that customers have given you about an employee. Letting your staff know that they made a customer happy will make them feel good and provide them with the motivation to continue doing their best.
Recognize accomplishments. Sometimes, all staff members want is a little credit for doing a good job. If you have an employee who has been working overtime or has gone out of their way to help their co-workers, don’t delay to praise them. It’s not about merely being recognized; when employees feel appreciated, it pushes them to continue working hard and helping others.
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