Articles

Overview:

The age-old formula to make sure employees work has always been to monitor them. However, motivating employees is what has been shown to deliver long-term results. This blog explains why motivating employees is the better option.

With the pandemic making work-from-home an acceptable option, the question that now arises is how to monitor a hybrid workforce? While some amount of overseeing is possible, constant surveillance is out of the question. Certain software do allow employers to track something as minute as employees’ mouse movements, but the question is should we go this far? Do we need to constantly monitor employees to make sure they work? We should not have to.

A Foundation of Trust

An important leadership skill is hiring the right people for the job, treating them well and then inspiring them to do their best. If this is done, employees will want to do their best and they will monitor their own productivity. The organization will flourish irrespective of where the employees work from.

Monitoring Employees

Organizations have always monitored employees. The goal was always accountability and productivity.

• The 1880s saw the use of the time clock to ensure workers put in the required number of shift hours.
• In the 1980s, with the usage of desktop computers, there came into existence software that monitored computer usage.
• This was followed by e-mail monitoring software and finally in the 2000s, it was the internet usage monitoring software.
• Today, there are software available that allow employers to monitor every aspect of digital activity.

But should this kind of minute monitoring be the way forward? This is how employers have monitored in the past, but should this be the way of the future too? While monitoring employees has shown benefits like increased productivity in certain scenarios, it has many drawbacks as well.

• Monitoring employees continuously can affect the workplace morale.
• Employees feel the monitoring is a result of lack of trust and this affects their attitude.
• Resentment can build up resulting in an unhappy work environment.
• Unhappy employees’ productivity is reduced.
• Sometimes, they could even leave the organization leading to a high turnover rate.
• This affects not only the company’s financial resources but the other employees too feel stressed.
• The organization’s name is tarnished and recruiting employees in the future could prove to be quite a task.

In short, monitoring employees continuously could end up doing the exact opposite of the desired result.

However, many organizations are not ready to let go of their monitoring practices. In such cases, having some kind of regulation over the monitoring will help.

• Keep the monitoring to important aspects like data security.
• Give employees the freedom to manage their time. Autonomy will increase productivity in the long run.
• Let employees know which aspects are being monitored. Being transparent with them will earn their trust.
• Let employees know what is expected of them. This will reduce ambiguities and help employees focus better.
• Finally, do not interfere in employees’ personal lives. Monitor them without invading their privacy.

Motivation Works -H2

Studies show that focusing on outcomes instead of the number of hours worked is more effective. With work from home picking up pace, it would be ideal to focus on work quality and goal fulfillment. Thus, a shift from monitoring employees to motivating them is what will give the desired results.

But how do you keep employees motivated for a long duration? As employees are motivated by different factors, this requires a multi-pronged approach from the management:

Individual Motivation Strategies:

• A one-size-fits-all approach will not work when it comes to motivation.
• Managers have to find out what motivates every employee and then implement strategies accordingly.
• This does require more time and effort from the management, but the end result will speak for itself.

Encourage Innovation:

• Stop typecasting employees.
• Encourage creativity; listen to everyone’s ideas.
• Just because someone doesn’t work in the marketing or branding department, does not mean they are not creative.
• Allow cross-collaboration. This will not only prevent boredom from setting in, but will also make employees feel valued.
• Being recognized and appreciated for other skills will keep employees motivated.

Training and Career Development:

• Having regular training sessions for employees, either in their field or outside their roles, will show employees that the management is also interested in their learning and advancement.
• This will foster loyalty and can motivate greatly.
• Giving employees a clear career trajectory can also do wonders for their motivation.

Appreciate a Job Well-Done:

• A simple “thank you” or “well-done!” can go a long way in keeping employees happy.
• While they may be just doing their jobs, appreciating them plays a huge role in motivating them to keep doing well.

Inclusive Company Culture:

• Employees should feel accepted at the work place. This is essential to keep them happy.
• An inclusive company culture should be set by the top management – when the management embodies inclusivity, the employees will automatically follow.

A Welcoming Physical Environment:

• Employees need to feel proud of their workplace and a shabby workplace just does not foster a vibe of success or pride.
• Giving employees a nice, clean and comfortable workplace is essential for them to work well.

For employees who spend a majority of their time working from home, the following may help:

• Check in on them regularly to find out if they need anything. This will ensure a sense of belonging.
• Conduct virtual team-building activities to help prevent disconnect.
• Give them access to technology and tools so that they can communicate better.

A workforce that is looked after will stay loyal and motivated. And when employees are motivated, creativity thrives and productivity automatically increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is motivation better than monitoring for employees?

Motivation builds trust, boosts morale, and fosters productivity, whereas constant monitoring can reduce employee satisfaction and increase turnover.

How does monitoring employees affect workplace morale?

Continuous monitoring can make employees feel distrusted, leading to resentment, reduced productivity, and a high turnover rate.

What are some effective strategies to motivate employees?

Focus on individual motivation, encourage innovation, provide training, appreciate achievements, foster inclusivity, and maintain a welcoming work environment.

How can companies balance monitoring with employee privacy?

Monitor essential aspects like data security, be transparent about monitoring policies, and avoid interfering in employees’ personal lives.

How can hybrid workers stay connected with their teams?

Regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and access to communication tools can help remote workers feel connected and engaged.