Slump or Jump? How to motivate for a fast start to 2017
With the overindulgence of the festive season and two weeks of irregular sleep patterns behind us (not to mention irregular breakfast patterns – 10am sherry anyone?), the first day back in January can be a shock to the system.
However, the smartest and most supportive managers will see the dawn of a new year as a golden opportunity to set the direction and tone at work for the 12 months ahead.
Why should you be thinking about all that now in November?
Because if you haven’t got a plan ready to inspire your people on the first day back in January, then you’re already making your job harder at this critical time of year, according to new research into employee motivation.
Always look on the bright side
When we asked 2,000 UK employees how they felt on their return to work after the Christmas break, we found that unsurprisingly, energy levels and motivation levels are low.
The mood in the workplace is generally lethargic and people are tempted to get distracted by personal admin, thinking about the next holiday or new job opportunity. Add to that the fact that motivational leadership is poor at the start of the year with many managers doing little or nothing to increase motivation, and it is clear January is something of a motivational black hole.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Our research found that many employees consider the first working day back as an opportunity to impress their boss with their motivation, plan how they can improve their performance, scope out their workload for the month and get ahead of their targets.
Most importantly, many also say that efforts by their manager to increase motivation and engage with them on the first day back has the biggest impact on their own motivation levels, making them feel happier and more valued and giving them a clearer sense of purpose for the year ahead.
So don’t leave it until the last minute to plan how you’re going to deal with the start to the new year. The enthusiasm is there but it’s your job to tap into it. Make it a priority now for the best possible chance to turn the potential slumpers in your team into dead cert jumpers.
To download Edenred's Massive Motivation ‘Slump or Jump’ report click here. Take a quick test to find out your ‘Slump or Jump’ score by clicking here.
Andy Philpott is marketing and sales director at Edenred.
This article was provided by Edenred.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Edenred
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