Business – 2.2 Motivation – Methods in practice | e-Consult

Answer:

• Hygiene factors (must be addressed to prevent dissatisfaction):

  • Competitive wages and transparent pay structure.
  • Safe, clean working environment and adequate break facilities.
  • Clear policies on scheduling, attendance and disciplinary procedures.
  • Effective supervision – managers who are approachable and fair.

• Motivators (sources of true satisfaction):

  • Recognition for sales achievements (e.g., “Employee of the Month”).
  • Opportunities for skill development – product‑knowledge training, cross‑training for different departments.
  • Increased responsibility – leading a visual‑merchandising project or mentoring new staff.
  • Opportunities for advancement – clear career pathways to senior sales or supervisory roles.

Practical actions for the store manager:

1. Conduct a quarterly review of wage rates against local market benchmarks.
2. Introduce a tidy‑up rota and ensure health‑and‑safety checks are performed weekly.
3. Publish a simple, written schedule policy and hold briefings to explain it.
4. Implement a “recognition board” where staff can post peer‑to‑peer praise.
5. Schedule monthly product‑knowledge workshops and award certificates.
6. Create a “project lead” role for visual displays, rotating the opportunity among staff.
7. Develop a transparent promotion matrix that outlines the criteria for moving to senior positions.

By eliminating sources of dissatisfaction (hygiene) and actively providing motivators, the manager creates an environment where employees are both content and driven to perform.