Workplace Motivation, the Key to Commitment

The Key to Commitment

Workplace motivation — a topic back in the spotlight. We recently read in the digital press how only 13% of workers worldwide admit to feeling motivated in their job. 13% worldwide! With these figures, it's no surprise we see the press and media increasingly bombarding us with topics related to workplace anxiety and stress, the difficulty of balancing work and family (with the stress and discomfort this causes employees), how hard it is to build an effective, united team committed to the company... In the end, all of this clearly translates into ever-lower productivity levels.

These figures come from a recent study by American consultancy Gallup, which states that only around 180 million people worldwide (equivalent to 13% of the global workforce) feel motivated at work and committed to their company. By contrast, 63% of workers worldwide say they feel no motivation or commitment to their company at all, while the remaining 24% openly say they feel disconnected from their company, though still professionally active, reporting little to no motivation. This lack of motivation inevitably ends up spreading and affecting other team members...

In Spain, meanwhile, the figures aren't far from the global averages, though they do seem slightly higher: 62% of workers say they don't feel committed to their current company, and 20% would be actively disconnected. This leaves us with 18% of Spanish workers committed to their company and their work. So how can we work on teams' workplace motivation to achieve greater involvement, which in turn leads to greater productivity?

Is achieving workplace motivation only the company's job?

It's logical to think the company should be in charge of motivating its employees, of making possible that workplace happiness we hear so much about lately. It's true (and as a company specialising in events and workplace motivation techniques and corporate team building, we can vouch for it) that more and more companies are taking an interest in and incorporating activities, dynamics, workplace motivation methods, teamwork, incentives, and corporate leisure spaces into their day to day... in order to create that other kind of work environment, more flexible, friendly, warm and, in turn, more productive and effective.

But not all the work falls on the company. As employees, we also need to understand that our attitude towards these new techniques and dynamics will be essential, as will our own self-driven effort to become happy employees, passionate about our work. It's about shifting our outlook, recovering that initial excitement and enthusiasm which, over time, tends to fade, giving way to discouragement and weariness.

And how do we do all this? Experts recommend some tips, which can be summarised as follows:

• Create small challenges. If you don't see your day-to-day as a sacrifice, but as a challenge to overcome, your outlook will be completely different (and much more stimulating and fun).
• Watch your sleep hours! It's been proven that too little sleep clearly affects your mood and the energy you need to face the day. Sleep at least 6 hours. Well-rested, everything looks more positive...
• Don't forget breaks. Working 8 or more hours without leaving your desk or office, without a break, without going out for a walk and getting some fresh air, is the worst thing you can do. You need to switch off, even if only for a few minutes. Make good use of your lunch break and eat well! You can't think clearly or expect to be brilliant on just a coffee. Remember your body and brain need energy to function properly.
• As friendly an atmosphere as possible. Try to "reconnect" with your colleagues, your bosses... Be attentive, kind, don't forget to smile, take an interest in their personal lives, in the work problems or doubts they might have... It's the environment where you spend most of your day — try to make it as positive as possible. You'll benefit them, and you'll be benefiting yourself too ;)

Ultimately, being a happy employee or not is a shared responsibility between company and employee. Are you willing to do your part to try to experience your job in a happier, more motivated way?