Money might make the business world go ‘round, but that doesn’t mean that money is all your employees care about. While it is imperative that you as a business leader provide your millennial employees with a competitive salary (this is a spectrum rather than a set amount, and you want your paychecks to be on the higher side) to incentivize them to join your company, it’s important to know that millennials hold other non-material incentives in far greater regard.
For the modern employee, there are many other perks that are far more effective at building brand loyalty and things a business leader can do to inspire loyalty as well as a long-term commitment. So, if you want to motivate your team members, you really should think outside of the proverbial box. Here are the five tactics that won’t fail you.
Align brand values with employee values
Being unique and truly memorable is more important than it has ever been, and unsurprisingly so, as the oversaturated business world makes it almost impossible for companies to stand out on name and logo alone. Nowadays, you need to have a compelling brand identity, which not only encompasses your name and visuals, but also your core brand values, your personality, and your unique tone of voice that people can relate to on a very personal level.
But brand-building is not just about improving your competitive advantage as a business, but as an employer as well. If you want your employees to truly care about the company they work for, and more importantly, if you want them to fall in love with their job and stick by your side through thick and thin, then you need to align your values with their own. Research what truly matters to your employees, and support those causes that are near and dear to their hearts.
Make them feel valued and appreciated
How do you show an employee that you care for them, appreciate their contribution, and value them as a member of your team? With a big fat paycheck, right? Well, yes, but more importantly, by making it known just how much you value their contribution. One of the key differences between leaders and bosses is that the latter praises a job well done, while the other praises the individual, which means that you need to give praise on a personal level.
For example, by giving your team members the praise they need in front of their colleagues while moving them up the hierarchy, you will motivate them to do a better job and give it their best on a daily basis. When you do promote your employees, make sure to design personalized business cards online to reflect their new role in your business, and so that they can represent your brand whenever they attend a relevant event. This is so much more than a gesture, as you let them know that they are an asset and a relevant part of your brand.
Care for their long-term wellbeing
Health is one of the most, if not the most important factor that influences a millennial’s decision-making process. The millennial employee values their emotional, psychological, and physical health above all else, so naturally, if you don’t provide them with the perks they need to ensure health and longevity, they’ll have no problem leaving you for an employer that does.
This is why experienced business leaders that want to retain the top talent in their company and motivate their employees are helping their team members enroll for private health insurance quotes online that allow them to find the best coverage for their specific needs. Aside from helping with health insurance, you also need to go the extra mile to improve employee mental health by creating a stress-free work environment, and positive company culture.
Build a positive company culture
To motivate a millennial employee, you also have to think about how comfortable they are in their work environment. But aside from providing them with ergonomic chairs and standing desks, you also need to think about their psychological comfort. Feeling comfortable is deeply intertwined with the concept of company culture, which is why it’s imperative that you build a culture on the foundation of equality, transparency, trust, and co-dependence.
Provide clear goals, support, and guidance
Lastly, the millennial employee wants and needs to work with a true leader. As a leader, it is up to you to provide your employees with the guidance and support they need to do their jobs right, keep their productivity levels high, and most importantly, keep coming back to work with a smile on their faces. To achieve this, it’s important that you set concrete goals, and that you be an active member of the team that employees can turn to at any moment. This will give your employees a clear objective and will help them develop a passion for their work.
Nobody said that motivating a millennial employee would be easy, as you can’t simply throw money at them and expect to solve every problem. That said, there are plenty of other things you can do that will have a far greater effect on your team members, so use these tips to boost employee happiness and motivate them to push your company forward together.
About the author:
Jacob Wilson is a business consultant, and an organizational psychologist, based in Brisbane. Passionate about marketing, social networks, and business in general. In his spare time, he writes a lot about new business strategies and digital marketing for Bizzmark blog.
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