Active learning ideas
Motivating Employees explores the psychological and financial drivers that encourage staff to work effectively. Students investigate various theories of motivation and evaluate financial methods (like bonuses and commission) alongside non-financial methods (like job enrichment and flexible working). This topic is crucial for understanding how businesses improve productivity and retain talent.
Activity 01
The class is split into two groups. One argues that financial rewards are the only true motivator for workers, while the other argues that job satisfaction and environment are more powerful. They must use examples from different industries to support their points.
Why is employee motivation crucial for business success?
Activity 02
Groups are given a scenario of a business with low staff morale (e.g., a call centre). They must design a 'Motivation Package' that includes two financial and two non-financial methods, explaining how each will solve the problem.
What are the main financial methods of motivation?
Activity 03
Students rank a list of motivators (e.g., high pay, friendly colleagues, extra holiday, interesting work) in order of importance to them. They compare with a partner to see how different people are motivated by different things.
How can non-financial methods improve staff retention?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Everyone is motivated by the same thing.
Motivation is highly individual. What works for one person might not work for another. A 'think-pair-share' activity about personal preferences helps students see that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to management rarely works.
Non-financial motivation is 'free' for the business.
While they don't involve direct cash payments to staff, non-financial methods like training or flexible working often have an indirect cost in time or resources. Peer discussion on the 'hidden costs' of motivation can clarify this.
Methods used in this brief
Organisational Structures
Students explore how businesses are structured and how this affects communication and control. They will compare tall and flat structures, and understand the chain of command.
8 methodologies
Recruitment and Selection
This topic covers the process of attracting and selecting the right employees. Students will analyse the use of job descriptions, person specifications, and different interview methods.
8 methodologies