Three Helpful Ways to Keep Employees Motivated
By: Michael Bergeron; PivotHR Solutions
Click. The door to Kristen’s car closed softly. Kristen nestled in the seat, tilted her head against the headrest, and exhaled a small, satisfied sigh. All day, back-to-back meetings and project changes kept her brain swirling. But in that still moment, in the quietness of her car, Kristen closed her eyes thinking:
My efforts made a difference for God’s kingdom today. I know He’s called me to work here and the impact I’ve made in others has enriched me as well. What a blessing to enjoy my supervisor and coworkers—a kingdom team! God has been good and I can’t wait to get at it again tomorrow…though I could do with one less meeting.
Kristen’s gratitude represents an employee wonderfully engaged in her work. She’s motivated today and will be just as motivated tomorrow when she unlocks her office door.
As a ministry leader, how do you keep your employees motivated day-in and day-out? How do you help them joyfully give their all? Here’re a few tips I’ve found helpful…
1) Remind Your Employees of Their Calling
Employees who serve in ministry fulfill God’s unique call upon their lives. It’s God who motivates and it’s God who has them here for a reason: to make known His great and glorious name. When employees embrace their calling, they increase their efforts, quality of work, commitment, and passion for their roles (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Remind your employees, often, of the high call they have. As you do, it will help your employees stay motivated in God’s great plan both for the ministry and for their own lives.
2) Show Your Employees How Their Work Changes Lives
Whether your employee is “out in front” or “behind the scenes,” every job in ministry helps change lives. The very nature of Christian ministry—worship, communication of God’s truth, providing spiritual direction—fosters spiritual growth. Show your employees exactly how their jobs contribute to the larger picture of life change. Remind them that the tasks they accomplish today cause others to grow spiritually tomorrow. In doing so, you’ll help your employees engage deeply in the meaningful work God has set before them.
3) Demonstrate Genuine Appreciation
In any workplace, an appreciated staff demonstrates a valued staff—how much more so in ministry! God has given the best hours of your employee’s day to your care as a manager. Regular, authentic appreciation of your staff’s efforts helps inspire them and increases their own gratitude for you as their supervisor. Look for ways to express appreciation to your staff and contextualize it to their personalities by using apt words, handwritten thank-you notes, or dropping off a surprise gift. Importantly, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for [us]” (ESV). expresses
Kristen went home after a long day of ministry motivated and excited to come back the next day. Help her maintain this mind-set by reiterating her high calling, by showing her the difference her work makes, and by demonstrating your appreciation of her efforts. In doing so, she will continue to accomplish her work “heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23 NASB).
