Managing pressure at work: Motivating staff without money

Last week, I was speaking to Samina in Dubai. She is a senior sales manager in an engineering company. She said that her greatest challenge was to motivate her team. During previous years, the usual way was to pay them a bonus or increase salaries. However, this year, there was no bonus to be paid and despite the team working very hard, sometimes putting in a 12-hour shift per day, the company board had decided not to award any bonus in the current economic climate.

So, what are the alternatives? Is it possible for her to motivate her team without giving a financial reward?

Organisational goals

One of the most effective ways of motivating a team is to ensure that they understand and appreciate the aims of the organisation they work for and that they are supported by the management in working towards the achievement of those common aims. They need to appreciate the current situation and one-to-one discussions are imperative to achieve this understanding.

In this case, where company policy dictates that there will be no increased remuneration, there is still an absolute need to get team ‘buy-in' and commitment. Any manager is only as successful as his or her department and that means that the team must be properly advised of the overall position and the need to conserve funds and to increase efficiency in order to survive.

There are many positive ways to motivate a team. Here are a few ideas to start with:

1. One-to-one sessions in which the situation is explained in full, that although there is no more money at this time, there may be other ways in which the employer can show its appreciation for work done well. Each individual should be asked what else, other than money, is important to them and tell them that you value their input.

2. The completion of feedback forms or questionnaires, which should be confidential, will give your team an opportunity to be open and honest about their feelings towards you and the company and what ideas they might have for improvement.

3. Team building activities outside the working environment can be a definite advantage. This can lead to a much happier and healthier working environment and such exercises can also help in the resolution of pre-existing issues within the team.

4. Every month, have one lunchtime activity where you discuss how things are going, what improvements can be made, etc. In simple terms, involve everyone all the time. Everyone takes it in turn to bring in lunch for everyone else.

5. Communication does not only mean talking to your team, but also listening to them. It is important to ensure their full understanding of the company objectives and their individual roles, but it is equally important to show them the importance of their feedback in achieving targets and standards.

6. Give out small incentives like McDonald vouchers, spa days out for the family, cake days on a Friday, etc. These are token gestures and don't cost much money but they show, albeit in a small way, that you care and that you take their situation seriously.

Most effective team

Motivating a team is always easier if you fully understand that they may not necessarily be motivated by the same factors that motivate you. The most effective teams are those that feel valued, supported and recognised. If a team understands the company's challenges, then they are more likely to work harder towards their achievement.

Furthermore, people tend to respond well to being given the opportunity to make decisions and take on additional responsibilities. Some teams may welcome the opportunity to work for a charity where they feel they are making a real contribution.

Whatever motivational techniques work, it is always best to ensure that your team members feel they are making a valuable contribution. That way, you are doing your best to retain talent and for them not to look elsewhere.

The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and motivational speaker. She is the CEO of a stress management and employee well-being consultancy based in London.

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