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We are all feeling the current economic recession, whether you are in America or not.  People are spending less because they are making less, others are losing their jobs and homes, and the economy just isn’t as strong as it was a couple of years ago.  No one can deny that this economic recession was a major “hit in the balls”for most people.

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With companies cutting back and people losing their jobs, those lucky enough to remain have to pick up the slack.  Often times with no compensation, monetary reward, or even intrinsic reward.  Bosses (Supervisors and Managers mainly) simply expect the jobs to get done at the same pace, with the same quality, just with less human capital.  The phrase “Do more with less” is the current view of management, but what they don’t realize is that it comes with a cost.  The cost of poor worker satisfaction, increased stress, decreased employee loyalty and trust, and a major decrease in motivation.  Now I don’t know about you, but these are some of the most important costs that a company shouldn’t have.

Companies know that since unemployment rates are so high, it is an employer’s market and it is easy for them to find applicants to replace just about anyone.  Managers and supervisors are turning toward a fear based style of management, using statistics to rate their performance and determine if they should replace employees or not.  No one wants to lose their job, but likewise no one wants to work at a job that they hate coming to.

It is as simple as offering a little positivity and encouragement to employees. Instead of constantly badgering employees to do more work quicker and with fewer errors, instill some motivation in them by offering a positive comment or praise them for what they have done well.  Employees are always told that they are not doing enough,  but rather phrase it in a way that is more positive. I.E. “John, thanks for all you do.  You are one of the hardest workers, and I have a special task that I want you to do.  Do you think you could also…” Phrasing it in this manner not only makes John feel better about his work and what he is doing, but will also feel special that you specifically want him to do a task, and he will be motivated to do it.

Change the way you manage and motivate others.  A positive comment or piece of encouragement doesn’t have to come from management, but it can come from employees, each other, and complete strangers.  Next time you see a janitor cleaning a bathroom, just say thank you for what they do.  “Pay It Forward” with a little positive encouragement once in a while.  You never know, it might make you feel better as well.