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10 Effective Tools to Motivate Employees

Any organization that wants to thrive needs to motivate employees. When employees are motivated, they not only become more productive and engaged but also remain loyal to the company.

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10 Effective Tools to Motivate Employees

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But what is the secret to effectively creating a dedicated and energetic workforce? How to motivate employees is a complex question, and requires a multifaceted approach.

Find out how Ringover's tools can motivate your employees

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This article delves into 10 powerful strategies for employee motivation, encompassing both innovative software tools and proven best practices. Additionally, it sheds light on the essence of employee motivation, its significance, and methodologies for its measurement and enhancement.

Table: 10 software to motivate employees

Software nameDescriptionBenefits for motivation
RingoverA cloud-based communication platform that offers voice and video calls, messaging, and team collaboration toolsImproves communication and collaboration among remote and hybrid teams, enhances customer service and sales performance, and provides analytics and insights to optimize workflows
Empower by RingoverA conversational AI solution that provides transcripts and summaries of each call, identifies topics and keywords, and offers statistics and recommendations to improve conversation qualityHelps sales and customer service teams refine their pitch, understand their customers and prospects better, and accelerate skills development through coaching and feedback
MotivosityA peer-to-peer recognition platform that uses a research-backed approach to build cultures of gratitude and connectednessIncreases employee engagement, happiness, and retention, aligns employees with company values and goals, and rewards employees with gifts they actually want
BucketlistA reward program that allows employees to choose from over 10,000 experiences and products that match their personal and professional goalsEncourages employees to pursue their passions, fosters a sense of achievement and fulfillment, and strengthens employee loyalty and satisfaction
StadiumA gamified recognition and rewards platform that offers points, badges, leaderboards, and swag to motivate employeesCreates a fun and competitive work environment, drives employee performance and behavior, and celebrates employee achievements and milestones
Swag.comA platform that allows you to create and send custom swag boxes or gifts to your employees, clients, and customersShows appreciation and gratitude to your employees, builds your brand awareness and reputation, and enhances employee morale and loyalty
NectarA peer-to-peer recognition and rewards platform that integrates with Amazon and other popular vendors to offer a variety of rewardsBoosts employee engagement and retention, promotes a culture of recognition and feedback, and empowers employees to choose their own rewards
15FiveA continuous performance management platform that helps managers and employees set and track goals, exchange feedback, and celebrate winsImproves employee alignment and accountability, fosters a growth mindset and a culture of learning, and supports employee well-being and happiness
KudosA social recognition and rewards platform that enables employees to send and receive appreciation, feedback, and rewardsEnhances employee engagement and collaboration, reinforces company values and culture, and increases employee motivation and retention
WorkhumanA human applications platform that offers solutions for social recognition, performance management, diversity and inclusion, and employee wellnessCreates a more human and positive work environment, inspires employee innovation and creativity, and supports employee development and growth

List: 10 software to motivate employees

1. Ringover

Ringover

A cloud-based communication platform with unlimited calling to 110 destinations, video calls, text messaging, and team collaboration from anywhere and on any device. Integration with CRM, helpdesk, and other tools enhances workflow, customer service, and sales performance. It also delivers analytics for communication optimization and productivity measurement.

Ringover Advantages✅

  • Easy setup and usage
  • Excellent audio and video quality
  • Unlimited calling supports hiring international employees and connecting the workforce

Ringover Disadvantages❌

  • Dependent on stable internet
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2. Empower by Ringover

Empower by Ringover

Empower offers conversational AI that provides call transcripts, identifies key topics, and delivers actionable insights to improve conversation quality. Ideal for sales, customer service, and staffing and recruiting teams to refine communication strategies.

Empower by Ringover Advantages✅

  • Accurate conversation intelligence software
  • Personalized insights
  • Detailed real-time and post-call analysis

Empower by Ringover Disadvantages❌

  • Available in English, French, Spanish, Italian
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3. Motivosity

Motivosity

A peer-to-peer recognition platform fostering a culture of gratitude and connectedness. Features include sending/receiving appreciation, feedback, and rewards, customizable rewards from various vendors, and tools for tracking employee engagement and alignment with company values.

Motivosity Advantages✅

  • User-friendly interface
  • Flexible rewards system
  • Comprehensive reporting

Motivosity Disadvantages❌

  • Dependent on employee engagement
  • Potential HR system integration issues
  • May not fit all company cultures or sizes

4. Bucketlist

Bucketlist

A rewards program offering over 10,000 experiences and products. It supports employee passion, achievement, and loyalty, while allowing employers to manage budget-friendly reward programs and track their impact on motivation and performance.

Bucketlist Advantages✅

  • Unique rewards
  • Simple management
  • Promotes wellness and development

Bucketlist Disadvantages❌

  • Cost considerations
  • Varied employee appeal
  • Geographic availability issues

5. Stadium

Stadium

A gamified platform offering points, badges, and leaderboards to drive motivation. It fosters a competitive environment, celebrates achievements, and assists employers in designing gamification strategies aligned with business objectives.

Stadium Advantages✅

  • Engaging and interactive
  • Highly customizable
  • Integration with popular platforms

Stadium Disadvantages❌

  • Potential for addiction or distraction
  • Not universally appealing
  • Risk of negative competition

6. Swag.com

Swag.com

Enables creation and distribution of custom swag boxes or gifts, with a wide range of high-quality products customizable with your logo. Handles shipping and distribution, enhancing employee morale and brand reputation.

Swag.com Advantages✅

  • Personalization options
  • Efficient and reliable
  • Cost-effective scalability

Swag.com Disadvantages❌

  • Requires delivery address
  • May not align with all preferences
  • Potential environmental concerns

7. Nectar

Nectar

A recognition platform offering a wide range of rewards through integration with Amazon and other vendors. It enhances engagement, fosters a recognition culture, and provides flexibility in reward choice.

Nectar Advantages✅

  • Simple setup
  • Diverse reward options
  • Slack integration

Nectar Disadvantages❌

  • Limited customization
  • Relies on employee participation
  • May not fit every company culture or size

8. 15Five

15five

A comprehensive platform for continuous performance management, including goal setting, feedback exchange, and celebration of achievements. It supports a culture of growth and learning and offers tools for weekly check-ins and quarterly reviews.

15Five Advantages✅

  • Holistic approach
  • User-friendly
  • Research-based methodologies

15Five Disadvantages❌

  • Time investment required
  • Needs managerial support
  • Possible HR system integration issues

9. Kudos

Kudos

A social platform for recognition and rewards, enhancing employee engagement, collaboration, and retention. It allows for the creation of customizable recognition programs aligned with company values.

Kudos Advantages✅

  • Engaging and social
  • Flexible customization
  • Security and compliance

Kudos Disadvantages❌

  • Dependent on active participation
  • HR system compatibility issues
  • May not suit all cultures or sizes

10. Workhuman

Workhuman

Offers solutions for recognition, performance management, and employee wellness. It aims to create a positive work environment, inspire innovation, and support employee growth, with strategies aligned to company vision.

Workhuman Advantages✅

  • Comprehensive and innovative
  • Forward-thinking
  • Reputable

Workhuman Disadvantages❌

  • Higher cost
  • Compatibility issues with some platforms
  • Potential usability challenges

What is employee motivation?

Before diving into strategies for motivating employees, it's crucial to grasp what employee motivation entails. At its core, employee motivation encompasses the level of energy, commitment, and creativity that employees apply to their work on a daily basis. It's shaped by a mix of internal and external factors including personal interests, values, goals, as well as rewards, recognition, feedback, and the overall work environment.

It's important to note that employee motivation isn't a constant; it's a dynamic aspect that can fluctuate based on the task at hand, the current situation, and individual differences. For instance, some employees might find motivation from intrinsic factors like the joy or fulfillment they gain from their work, while others might be driven by extrinsic factors such as the rewards or acknowledgment they receive.

Moreover, motivation in the workplace isn't a one-size-fits-all matter. It's highly personalized, meaning that what motivates one employee might not necessarily motivate another. Each employee has their unique set of motivations, preferences, and needs. Recognizing this, it's imperative for employers to identify what specifically motivates their employees and to develop tailored motivation strategies that align with these unique drivers.

🔥Ringover Tip

Keep employees engaged via a strong internal communication system, like the recruiting software provided by Ringover.

How to motivate employees?

Understanding what motivates employees is crucial to fostering a productive and positive work environment. Motivation in the workplace is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It requires continuous effort, understanding, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of your team.

Several factors can affect employee motivation, including personal interests, values, goals, rewards, recognition, feedback, and the work environment. It's vital to employ a diverse range of strategies and techniques to cater to the varied needs and preferences of your employees. 

We will cover three key areas on motivating employees: managerial motivation tactics, leadership techniques for motivation, and ways to inspire and motivate your team.

How does a manager motivate employees?

Managers play a pivotal role in motivating their team, understanding each member's unique needs, wants, and desires, and using these insights to foster excellence and productivity. Managers wield significant influence, thanks to their leadership position.

Effective managerial motivation strategies include:

  • Setting clear goals and expectations: It's essential for employees to understand their roles, how their performance will be evaluated, and the significance of their contributions. Managers should clearly communicate the organization's vision, mission, and objectives, helping employees align their personal goals with those of the organization.
  • Providing feedback and recognition: Employees benefit from knowing how they're performing and where they can improve. Managers should offer timely, constructive feedback and acknowledge employees' achievements and contributions.
  • Offering mentoring and coaching: Career growth is vital for employee motivation. Managers should facilitate opportunities for skill development and new challenges, while also serving as mentors and coaches to guide employees towards their potential. Try incorporating tools like Ringover, which includes tools like call monitoring and call whisper to provide accurate feedback efficiently to team members.
  • Creating a positive work environment: A supportive and enjoyable work atmosphere is crucial. Managers should cultivate a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, promptly addressing any conflicts or issues, and ensuring employees have the necessary resources and support to succeed.
  • Leading by example: Managers should act as role models, embodying the values, behaviors, and attitudes they expect from their team, and demonstrating enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to their work and the organization.

Leadership techniques to motivate employees

Effective leadership goes beyond authority, encompassing vision, strategy, and a unique style that can inspire and guide a team towards shared goals.

Key leadership techniques for motivating employees include:

  • Sharing your vision and setting clear goals: Leaders should articulate a compelling vision for the future and communicate it effectively, explaining how each team member contributes. Setting clear, achievable goals aligned with this vision is also crucial for tracking progress.
  • Empowering and delegating: Trusting employees with autonomy in decision-making and problem-solving is essential. Leaders should delegate effectively, offering support and avoiding micromanagement.
  • Encouraging and rewarding: Acknowledging efforts and achievements is vital for motivation. Leaders should offer meaningful incentives and recognition, tailored to what is most relevant and motivating for their employees.
  • Challenging and inspiring: Leaders should encourage employees to stretch beyond their comfort zones, providing opportunities for learning and growth, and sharing inspiring stories and examples.
  • Listening and communicating: Effective communication and active listening are key. Leaders should show empathy, understand their team's needs and desires, and maintain open, honest communication to avoid misunderstandings.

How do you inspire and motivate employees?

Inspiration and motivation stem from both external rewards and internal drivers like passion and purpose. Creating an emotional connection, making employees feel valued and integral to the team's success, is the essence of true motivation.

To inspire and motivate employees, consider the following:

  • Learn about your employees: Understand what motivates your team by learning about their interests, strengths, and aspirations. Regular conversations, surveys, or assessments can provide valuable insights.
  • Show empathy and care: Demonstrating genuine concern for employees' well-being and success fosters a supportive environment that motivates and inspires.
  • Involve and include them: Engagement and inclusion in decision-making and planning make employees feel valued and part of a larger purpose, enhancing their motivation and commitment.
  • Challenge and develop them: Providing opportunities for professional and personal growth encourages employees to push their boundaries and achieve their full potential.
  • Lead and model: By embodying the organization's values and demonstrating commitment, leaders can inspire their teams to follow suit, fostering a culture of enthusiasm and dedication.
Leverage AI to Motivate Employees

Empower by Ringover supports multiple ways of coaching employees, so they perform at their best.

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Benefits of Motivated Employees

Motivating employees benefits not just the individuals involved but the entire organization via the following advantages.

  • Increased Employee Engagement: Motivated employees engage more deeply with their work and organization. They demonstrate greater interest, enthusiasm, and dedication to their roles and objectives. This connection fosters loyalty to their team and company, boosting productivity, efficiency, and innovation, which are vital for organizational success.
  • Higher Productivity and Performance: Motivated employees are more eager and capable of performing at superior levels. They apply themselves diligently, focusing on quality and value. They continually seek to enhance their skills and tackle challenges head-on, leading to improved results for both themselves and the organization.
  • Great Company Culture: Motivated employees play a crucial role in cultivating a positive and healthy company culture. They embody and promote the company's values, vision, and mission, and encourage a culture of recognition, feedback, and rewards. Through effective collaboration and communication, they help build a supportive and happy workforce.
  • Better Customer Service: Motivated employees deliver superior customer service, leading to higher satisfaction levels. They pay close attention to customer needs, respond promptly, and go above and beyond to exceed expectations. Their passion and enthusiasm for their work and organization reflect positively on the company's image.
  • Positive Company Reputation: Motivated employees enhance the company's reputation and brand awareness. They are more inclined to speak highly of the company and recommend it to potential customers, employees, or partners. As ambassadors of the company, they contribute to a positive public perception, attracting more interest.
  • Lower Employee Absenteeism and Turnover: Motivated employees are more committed to their company, leading to reduced absenteeism and turnover. Their satisfaction and fulfillment with their work mean they are less likely to seek employment elsewhere or take unnecessary sick leave, thereby lowering related costs and risks for the company.

Motivate Employees FAQ

What are the 4 drives that motivate employees?

The four-drive model of employee motivation posits that four main drives influence human behavior and motivation: the desire to acquire, bond, comprehend, and defend.

  1. The acquisition drive is about obtaining both tangible and intangible assets, like money, status, and recognition.
  2. The bonding drive focuses on establishing social relationships with colleagues, customers, and managers.
  3. The comprehension drive is the desire to learn, master new skills, and understand the world around us.
  4. The defense drive is the instinct to protect oneself, one's group, and one's beliefs against threats.

What are the best ways to motivate your employees?

Motivating employees is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, as individual preferences, needs, and goals vary. Nonetheless, some universally effective strategies include:

  • Creating a positive work environment that promotes trust, respect, and collaboration.
  • Offering meaningful incentives and rewards, such as bonuses, gifts, or recognition.
  • Providing clear growth and development paths, along with opportunities to learn and progress.
  • Supporting work-life balance and overall well-being.
  • Practicing respectful and effective leadership, while clearly communicating the company's vision and goals.
  • Engaging employees in goal setting and decision-making, empowering them to take ownership of their work.
  • Promoting teamwork and a sense of community among employees.
  • Offering feedback and recognition, appreciating employees' efforts and accomplishments.
  • Challenging and inspiring employees, making their work feel meaningful.
  • Listening and communicating effectively, valuing employees' opinions and suggestions.

How do you motivate unmotivated employees?

Unmotivated employees may show a lack of interest, enthusiasm, and commitment, possibly due to disengagement or dissatisfaction. To reinvigorate such employees, managers must first pinpoint the cause of their demotivation, which could stem from a values mismatch, lack of self-efficacy, disruptive emotions, or attribution errors. Plus, setting expectations is key to ensure the employee knows what's expected of them.

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