Efficiency & Motivation

How to motivate employees in a project? Discover the best methods!

A well-functioning, reliable, and diligent project team is a key element in the project implementation process. However, excessive workload, unmet tasks, encountered problems, or procrastination can negatively impact the work of not only individual employees but the entire team. Therefore, motivating team members is crucial.

Motivation in a project

Motivating the team is one of the project manager’s tasks. Although it may seem trivial compared to other responsibilities such as planning, monitoring project work, or organizing, it often proves to be very important when managing projects.

Both team and individual motivation influence the overall productivity of the project team. It provides employees with a positive stimulus to work and motivates them to fulfill their needs by completing assigned tasks and achieving project goals. This leads to efficient and effective project implementation.

How to motivate employees?

There are many ways to motivate employees. It is certainly important to pay attention to their needs, as unmet needs can negatively impact work efficiency. The most effective motivational actions for a project team can be divided into financial and non-financial incentives.

Financial motivation

The financial factor is undoubtedly an effective technique for motivating employees. Monthly, quarterly bonuses, or bonuses after the successful completion of a project can positively impact team productivity. Besides monetary rewards, such as additional sums of money, vouchers or gift cards can also be attractive motivators. Financial rewards make employees feel appreciated and see that their productivity and engagement are beneficial, not only for the project but for themselves as well.

Assigning more tasks to ambitious employees

A typical workload or repetitive tasks might be insufficient for exceptionally ambitious employees. Surprisingly, too few duties and slower development can have a negative effect. These employees’ ambitions should be used to the organization’s advantage by assigning them additional tasks and responsibilities. This will positively impact the project process and motivate the employee to continue working effectively and engaging with the company’s strategic goals. Additionally, the employee will feel appreciated, notice growth opportunities, and approach their tasks with even more dedication.

Supporting the development of new skills

Supporting the development of new skills and competencies is an added value for the employee and the entire organization. Investing time and funds in additional training or webinars is worthwhile, as better-qualified employees not only ensure better task execution but can also be delegated to new tasks. The opportunity for development offered by the employer is usually a motivating factor, both for performing duties at the highest level and enhancing competencies. Moreover, it strengthens the bond between the employee and the company, which they see as a place to build their career path.

Project Manager's attitude

Motivating the project team is one of the project manager’s responsibilities, but not only their planned actions will serve as motivation. Their attitude and approach to the project implementation process can also motivate employees. If the manager diligently and effectively performs their tasks and fulfills their duties, the team members will adopt a similar attitude.

Praising employees for well-completed tasks

The proverbial carrot, rather than the stick, works positively for most employees. It is worth praising the team not only after a successful project completion but also during its implementation. Appreciated employees feel more motivated to work as they see positive feedback on their efforts. Additionally, they become more “attached” to both the organization and the projects they are working on.

Effective communication

Mutual respect and honest communication build trust and are the foundation of teamwork aimed at success. The project manager should present their expectations for each employee, task, and the entire process, and ensure that the individual has the resources and means to complete their duties. Team members should also be fully aware of their responsibilities and should honestly and promptly communicate any issues or mistakes to the manager. A team with communication-based on honesty and mutual respect positively impacts the atmosphere, resulting in more effective collaboration and greater engagement in task execution.

Positive atmosphere

Poor relationships between colleagues or misunderstandings negatively affect individual employees and the project team as a whole. A negative atmosphere causes employees to only think about finishing work when they come in. Therefore, maintaining positive relationships with colleagues is important. The easiest way to build these relationships is through team-building activities such as trips, off-site meetings, or even shared lunches.

Project managers should also listen attentively to team members’ questions, concerns, or ideas. This builds both interpersonal bonds and lets employees know that they are truly engaged in the project and are part of the organization.

Friendly environment

Although it might seem trivial, a pleasant and often modern environment can motivate employees. When they see the company’s growth, even through changing office spaces, employees recognize progress they want to be part of. Changes like a redesigned office, designated areas with chairs for relaxation during breaks, or areas for working with laptops not only raise the office standard but also act as a motivating factor that encourages employees to develop and work in parallel. An important element of project implementation is also the appropriate project management software.

Benefits

Employers are competing to offer a wide variety of attractive benefits. Sports cards, fruit provided once a week, healthcare – these are just a few of the additional perks that companies offer employees. Undoubtedly, these are good ways to increase the attractiveness of a company and boost employee motivation.

Maximizing team performance through motivation in projects