Exercises for motivation workshops - discover their power!

Motivation should be one of the pillars of team work. Motivated employees work efficiently, they are more willing to engage in additional projects, which affects their job satisfaction and contributes to the development of the company. And what to do when this motivation is missing? We present exercises for motivation workshops that will work in your company.

What is motivation?

Motivation is the totality of factors whose purpose is to stimulate action. Motivation is an impulse to work, readiness to take on a task and achieve a goal. This is something that makes employees "want to". 

Scientists list 3 levels of motivation:

• subordination - the employee performs what his superior orders him to do; literally as if he himself could not show any initiative, was indifferent to the fate of the company and his career,
• goal identification – the employee sees the goal and wants to achieve it; this level is possible to achieve when the employee learns the detailed benefits of achieving the goal,
• commitment - the goal becomes something superior to the employee, it belongs only to him; the third level is possible if the employee is aware that he is the only person entrusted with the task and feels that it depends only on him how the work will be done.

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Motivation can be divided into intrinsic (intrinsic or autonomous) and extrinsic (instrumental). First of them - intrinsic motivation – appears when actions have a value in themselves, give pleasure to the person acting, enjoy and interest him. The employee performs the task because he derives satisfaction from the activity itself. WITH external motivation and we are dealing with when a person performs a given task under external coercion. For an extrinsically motivated employee, the consequences of the action are more important than the action itself. Outside motivators at work it, among others money, status, surveillance.

Some theorists argue that extrinsic motivation can kill intrinsic motivation. Therefore, it is worth developing the latter. How? Exercise may be helpful motivation workshops. But before we get to the exercises, let's make it clear why motivation at work is so important.

Methods of motivating employees

Motivating employees is one of the most important issues that managers and leaders of every organization have to deal with. Employees who feel motivated are more engaged, productive and loyal to their employer. On the other hand, if employees do not feel motivated, they tend to have low productivity, frequent absences and low morale.

In today's business world, there are many different methods of motivating employees. Some of them are more effective than others. Their choice depends on many factors, such as industry, organizational culture, budget and business goals. Here are some popular ways to motivate employees.

Professional development

Supporting the professional development of employees can be an effective way to motivate the team. By giving employees access to training, conferences and development programs, employers help employees expand their knowledge and skills. This allows employees to develop their careers, but also brings measurable benefits from hiring professionals in their field. When employees see that the employer is investing in their development, they become more engaged and willing to increase their productivity. They just see that it pays off.

Remuneration and benefits

Compensation is one of the most basic ways to motivate employees. Employees want to feel that they are rewarded for their work and that their remuneration is competitive compared to the labor market. In addition, employers offer various benefits, such as additional health insurance or a pension fund. Other popular benefits include sports cards or additional holidays in the form of company trips. Certainly, it increases employees' job satisfaction and motivates them to perform their duties better.

Organizational culture

Organizational culture is a key factor in motivating employees. In organizations with a positive work culture, employees are more engaged. organizational culture  it is also defined as social norms and value systems that stimulate employees. The point is also to take care of positive relations between employees, as well as between superiors and subordinates, on a daily basis. In dispersed companies, this also applies to people involved in individual projects.

Appreciation

Appreciation of employees' efforts is crucial for their motivation. Praise for success and recognition for a job well done should be clearly expressed, preferably publicly among the entire staff. Rewards for achieving goals are ways that positively affect employee morale and their commitment to work. Appreciation of work can take place in various ways, for example through letters of praise or thanks on the company's forum. Of course, it is also worth adding a cash prize or additional benefits.

Motivational exercises - interesting examples

Motivational exercises are a great way to increase your enthusiasm to achieve your goals. They can improve your mood and create a positive atmosphere. Here are some interesting exercises that can be used to increase motivation.

Visualization exercise

Visualization is a technique that involves imagining the achievement of a goal or a situation we would like to experience. This exercise involves closing our eyes and visualizing a situation where we have achieved the goal we desire. Thanks to this exercise, we are able to see the goal in front of us better, feel more motivated and convinced to achieve it.

Exercise "Success Diary"

A success diary is a kind of diary where we record our achievements and the progress we have made towards achieving a goal. This simple exercise can help you maintain a positive attitude and increase your motivation. By keeping a success diary on a regular basis, you can see that your efforts are paying off.

Exercise "List of Reasons"

This simple exercise involves writing down on a piece of paper the reasons why you want to achieve your goal. The list of reasons can consist of various things, such as: wanting to improve your health, increase your earnings or fulfilling your dreams. When we lose motivation, it's worth remembering the reasons why we started pursuing our goals.

Exercise "Motivational poster"

A motivational poster is a kind of collage on which we place images, quotes and photos that symbolize our goals or dreams. This poster should be placed in a place where we see it every day, for example on a wall in a room or office. This exercise helps us stay motivated and remind ourselves of the goals we want to achieve.

Exercise "To do list"

The task list is a simple exercise that helps us organize our activities. It consists in writing down on a piece of paper or in the mobile application a list of tasks that we have to perform. After completing a task, we cross it out. Over time, we see progress and we see that we are not far from achieving the goal. It is best to start with the easiest task. Such success at the very beginning is very positive.

Motivational training for employees

Motivational training for employees is an increasingly popular form of investing in human resources in organizations. They are used by managers and leaders who want to increase the motivation of employees and increase their commitment to work. This is a form of training that focuses on the development of skills and motivational techniques for employees. Their goal is to increase employee involvement, increase their motivation and increase work efficiency. These trainings may concern various issues, such as communication, time management, building relationships with clients and colleagues, or other so-called soft skills.

Benefits for the organization resulting from conducting motivational training are multiple. Above all, these trainings can help improve the working climate, increase employee engagement and reduce absenteeism. Increasing work efficiency is one of the most important effects of motivational training, which translates into greater profits for the organization.

Motivational training can also help build employee engagement in the organization. By participating in training, employees feel appreciated and noticed by the employer, which positively affects their level of motivation and commitment. In addition, these trainings help to increase the level of employees' job satisfaction, which affects their loyalty to the organization.

It is also worth noting that motivational training for employees is an investment in the development of the organization's human resources. By increasing employees' competences in the field of motivation and soft skills, the organization can increase its competitiveness on the labor market and attract better employees. Thanks to them, you can also achieve what is so much expected in every company synergy effect. That is, the development of the company based on new ideas and solutions unattainable for a single employee.

About the enormous power of motivation at work

Employees are the backbone of any enterprise. However, the employment of outstanding people alone does not determine the ultimate success. The employer's task is to make this group of employees willing to cooperate, easily carry out their professional tasks, willingly take on new challenges and pursue their goals with full commitment. And for that you need motivation.

Motivation works like a driving force. It adds strength and willingness to act. Thanks to it, employees are able to work more efficiently and achieve better results. Work gives them satisfaction and fulfillment, and thanks to their great commitment, the company develops and climbs up the ladder of the market hierarchy. Motivated employees do not feel the need to change jobs. In addition, they spread a positive atmosphere around them, which makes the time spent in the company more pleasant and translates into the well-being of employees outside working hours.

Team motivation is influenced by employer. It is worth bearing in mind that shaping motivation is a complex and demanding process. Sometimes the motivation system alone may not be enough. In some cases, it may be helpful to meet a specialist who will motivate employees. When to organize such workshops? And what exercises for motivation workshops will bring the best results?

Motivation workshops - what can you do?

Motivation workshops are an ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to increase their motivation and enthusiasm for work. Often during such trainings, various types of interesting motivational exercises are used, which help participants maintain a positive attitude and achieve goals. Below some interesting exercises that can be used in motivation workshops.

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Today's Word Challenge

This is a simple but effective exercise that can be used at the beginning of each workshop day. Each morning, the organizers can choose a random word that becomes the keyword for that day. Participants should use the word throughout the day in the context of their professional life, for example by choosing specific tasks or activities that relate to the word. This exercise helps participants focus on their goals and challenges for the day.

"Motivational Wall"

It is a creative exercise that allows you to build a motivational space where participants can be inspired and motivated. Organizers can prepare a large board or canvas on which participants can post their goals, motivational quotes, inspirational images or photos that represent their goals. This motivational wall will serve as your daily source of inspiration and motivation.

"Motivation Ring"

This exercise is about creating a group of people who will help each other stay motivated and enthusiastic. Each participant receives a ring that symbolizes their commitment to staying motivated and regularly taking actions that contribute to achieving their goals. During the workshop, participants can share their progress and challenges, as well as motivate each other for further work.

"Dream Card"

This is a classic exercise that involves making a list of your dreams and life goals. Participants write down their goals on pieces of paper, which they then place in a special box. This box is a symbolic step towards achieving your goals. Organizers may also encourage participants to share information with others for their purposes

When is it worth using exercises for employee motivation workshops?

A decrease in motivation causes a decrease in the team's work efficiency. As a consequence, employees do not achieve the set goals, and the company stands still - it does not develop and does not generate maximum profits.

Lack of motivation to act can destroy the atmosphere in the company. Employees are reluctant to come to work, they feel bad in their positions. Their negative moods reflect on others – even the most motivated ones. There are more frequent conflicts, smaller and larger arguments in the company. Employees are unable to get along, which disrupts their functioning in the company and hinders the efficient performance of their professional duties.

Lack of motivation can be one of the reasons for increased employee turnover. If the employee does not see the purpose in what he does, and the duties performed do not give him satisfaction, he will be more willing to change his job for another.

Decrease in the effectiveness of the team's activities, bad working atmosphere and increased resignation due to lack of motivation are indications to implement appropriate corrective measures. Often the best solution is organization of workshopswhich, in addition to increasing motivation, will allow employees to get away from their daily duties for a while, de-stress them and relax the atmosphere in the company. Moreover, they will be interesting integration method. What exercises for motivation workshops are worth using?

Exercise ideas for motivation workshops

Motivation workshops are an ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to increase their motivation and enthusiasm for work. Such trainings offer a lot of interesting ideas and tools that can help participants maintain a positive attitude and achieve their goals. Here are some ideas that can be used in motivation workshops.

Assertiveness exercises

Assertiveness is one of the key skills that allows you to effectively express your needs and expectations. Motivation workshops can include assertiveness exercises to help participants learn to express themselves positively and constructively.

100 Days of Motivation Challenge

This is an interesting challenge that consists in maintaining a high level of motivation for 100 days. Participants create a list of their goals and take specific actions every day that contribute to their implementation. Such an incentive program allows you to engage in regular activity and maintain a positive attitude.

Mindfulness exercises

Mindfulness is a technique that focuses on the present and feeling momentary peace. Mindfulness exercises such as meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and improve your well-being. They are perfect for motivation workshops because they help you focus on your goals and challenges.

Inspiring success stories

Often, inspiring success stories from others can help boost motivation. For workshops on motivation, the organizers can invite guests who will share their experiences and tell how they managed to achieve success. Such stories motivate participants and help them believe that achieving the goal is real.

Goals of motivational training

The main objectives of motivational training are:

• increasing understanding of the importance of motivation at work;
• learning techniques and motivational tools;
• increasing knowledge about the needs and expectations of employees;
• learning to build and maintain positive relationships at work;
• learning to cope with stress and pressure at work;
• increasing work efficiency.

Examples of motivational exercises for employees

Motivational exercises for employees are an effective way to increase commitment and motivation at work. Thanks to them, employees gain new skills and abilities that help them achieve their goals at work. Here are some examples of employee motivation exercises.

SMART goals exercise

This exercise involves setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The name comes from the first letters of these adjectives in English (SMART). Employees write down their goals that they want to achieve at work on cards, and then discuss them in the group. In this way, employees have clearly defined goals that will help them focus on achieving specific results. It is also important that these goals are actually realistic to achieve in the short term. It's also easy to verify your progress. And the public declaration additionally motivates employees to implement them.

Exercise "Feedback 360"

This exercise involves collecting opinions from various people in the company about the employee's work. The employee receives feedback from his colleagues, superior and subordinates on his behavior and skills at work. Thanks to this, the employee receives reliable information about his work and can take it into account during his professional development. You can carry out such a motivational exercise for training. But it's best to do it on training away in motivation workshops. A neutral environment and a relaxed atmosphere will allow for honest statements. And these will be better received and assimilated if they are presented in a playful form, without unnecessary criticism.

Exercise "Strength Card"

This exercise uses the method of positive psychology, which focuses on the development of an employee's strengths. The employee completes a card where he writes down his strengths and skills, and then discusses them with the team. Thanks to this, the employee gains self-confidence and motivation to use their strengths at work. This motivational exercise for employees can also be carried out in another form. For example, on blank cards we write the name and pass the card to the next person. Its task is to write down one feature of the person whose name is on the sheet. Then the cards are circulated until they complete a circle and the cards are returned to their owners. Individual employees will be able to see what strengths colleagues and superiors see in them. such mutual employee motivation it really releases a lot of positive energy and allows many people to believe in their own abilities.

Exercise "Dream Team Project"

This motivational exercise starts with dividing employees into teams. Then we set a challenge related to achieving the goal within a specific project. This task requires employees to cooperate and use their skills to achieve the goal. As a result, employees gain a sense of community and motivation to achieve a common goal. A good example of such team building fun is joint construction of the Goldberg machine.

"Daily Thanksgiving" Motivational Exercise

This exercise involves writing down a few positive things that happened at work or in your private life every day. Employees are asked to write down at least one thing a day that they are grateful for. As a result, employees gain a positive attitude to work and the reality around them. Such a set of conscious positive stimuli can make employees realize that they have a really nice job and are surrounded by kind people. And this, in turn, is a very valuable element of employer branding. It is also the foundation for building a good atmosphere in the company and a strong team.

Effective exercises for motivation workshops

Motivation workshops are the beginning of the way to develop strong motivation in employees, which will spur them to action and help them achieve their goals - both personal, concerning their own work and career, as well as general goals related to the functioning of the company.

The purpose of motivational games and activities is to determine the current level of motivation in the team and identify areas that need improvement. What's more, exercises for motivation workshops:

• provide valuable knowledge in the field of non-financial sources of motivation,
• they teach cooperation and effective communication with co-workers, and also show the benefits that can come from it,
• effectively relieve stress,
• support the ability to convey criticism and praise - helpful for superiors/team leaders.

Exercises for workshops on motivation should be based on the principle of competition. It is a way to make each employee aware of the important role they play in the team and how they contribute to its success, as well as how much employees can achieve by acting as one, efficiently functioning organism.

Exercises for workshops on motivation - examples

A great exercise for a motivation workshop is building a Goldberg machine. Goldberg machine it is a device made of different mechanisms - one mechanism drives another, etc. What is the task? Employees, divided into groups of several people, have to prepare individual parts of the device from various gears, blocks and other elements. The parts, when combined, should create one well-functioning machine. The key to success is: good organization of work, logical division of duties and efficient communication. Fun drives motivation and perfectly integrates.

As part of the motivation workshop exercises, you can organize industry training that will improve the qualifications of employees, and thus motivate them to continue their activities and expand their skills.

In addition, you can use techniques such as:

• visualization and analysis of goals,
• analysis of the negative consequences of uncompleted tasks,
• analysis of the positive consequences of completed tasks,
• swiss cheese method
• 5 minute rule 
• changing the meaning of work.

Exercises for workshops on motivation is a helpful tool that can significantly improve the quality of group work. However, for the workshops to bring the best results, it is worth organizing them outside the company's headquarters - for example during employee trip. It's easier to focus on neutral ground. There are no distractions around, employees can leave their company roles for a while and focus all their attention on the subject of the course. Attractive place for a company trip will encourage employees to participate in motivation workshops.