How to Measure Motivation in a Workplace

Overview
A motivated work force is a productive work force. A productive work force makes a profitable business. The motivation of your employees is determined by several factors. Many of these are under your control, so monitoring each of them so that you can make changes will ultimately help your bottom line. Fairness and equality are high on the list of workplace motivations. Competitive pay as well as non-wage compensation are also great motivators. An open, honest, business relationship is the most important factor in motivating your employees.

Step 1
Keep records in every employee file to monitor their performance. Make notes periodically to add to this file. Consolidate these notes annually to track each individual's performance throughout the year. Continue these notes through every employee's tenure with your company.

Step 2
Review all of your financial records and employee time sheets to determine the performance of your entire company. Look for profits, work hours, wages, complaints, law suits and work place injuries to get an idea of the health of your business. Watch these factors constantly and implement regulations to change any that do not match your business model.

Step 3
Look at the wages you pay to your employees as compared to their responsibilities. Add the non-wage compensation package that you provide and compare this total to the industry standard in your area. Find this information by looking online or asking your employees who have worked for your competitors in the past. Adjust your compensation package to be competitive with other businesses in your area.

Step 4
Train your supervisors to follow a set of procedures that will be considered fair and equal. Reward and punishment must be consistent from situation to situation no matter which employee is involved. Avoid favoritism at all costs.

Step 5
Meet periodically with each of your employees. Review their performance records and ask them about their point of view on the state motivation and morale within the company.

Step 6
Keep a suggestion box in a public area of the work place. Encourage all of your employees to write down their suggestions and complaints while allowing them to remain anonymous.

Step 7
Maintain an open door policy with your employees. Speak to your employees regularly. Keep a friendly, but professional, relationship with each of them that lets them know they can come to you at any time to voice their concerns.

Step 8
Review all of the information available to you periodically. Use your information to track the motivation levels through performance and job satisfaction. Make adjustments as necessary to further motivate your employees, raise morale and increase efficiency.

Reference
Business Balls; JS Adams Original Equity Theory; Alan Chapman Review; 2010