What can other industries teach you about motivating employees?

Disengaged employees, however, can drag others down and have a negative effect on many aspects of the business.

Organisations with motivated employees can outperform the competition and yet many companies are still unwilling to invest in motivational benefits. For the retail industry, especially, many businesses expect their staff to move on quicker than those in other industries.

Retail employees most disengaged

A study conducted by brand engagement agency, Maverick, shows that retail employees are some of the most disengaged in the country. Some 77% said they did not relate to their company’s brand value – meaning the sector is losing £628 million a year by failing to inspire its workers.

However, by investing just 10% more in staff engagement, UK businesses in all sectors could add £2,700 a year per employee in profits every year¹.

Industries that lead the way

Are your staff happy and excited to come to work every day? Maybe there are lessons to learn from a couple of industries that seem to be leading the way in looking after their staff…

1) The technology sector

Not surprisingly IT companies are particularly innovative when it comes to motivating staff. Cloud provider, Appirio’s Silver Lining programme allows employees to do rewarding work with the local community, while Staines-based IT business, Attenda, puts on themed events for its staff.

We can’t forget Google, who’ve set the bar in creating an environment for employees to thrive. Its motivational strategy includes:

• Free gourmet food
• Inspiring offices, including roof garden
• Onsite laundry service
• Extended maternity leave
• 20% of time working on ‘passion projects’

While not every retailer is in a position to offer as many benefits as Google, small incentives such as free lunch and social event every once in a while, or the opportunity to develop or design their own workspace could make a big difference to an employee’s morale.

2) The legal sector

Legal firms feature prominently in the Sunday Times Top 100 companies. At Baker & McKenzie, staff get free private healthcare and can mentor students during work experience week.

Employment law consultancy, Peninsula Business Services, must also be doing a lot right to motivate their employees. Some 86% say it’s fun to work there and doesn’t interfere with responsibilities at home.

Perks include: 

• Flexible working, including term-time only contracts
• Giving all staff a free breakfast every Monday morning
• Monthly social evenings
• A weekly keep-fit session
• Bonuses for generating new business
• Internal promotion

Empower your own employees by making them feel part of the day-to-day decision-making process and allow them to manage their working times. Giving staff a healthy work-life balance as well as a pleasant working environment can help with retention and could even lend a hand to recruiting the best talent you’re after for your organisation.

This article was provided by Unum.