Working in the public sector today is challenging. Fiscal pressures, political winds, and shifting priorities can make the most devoted public servant question their commitment. Yet, engaging employees is at the top of the agenda for most public sector human resources professionals.
So how do we help employees bring passion and energy to work, even if it’s one of those days (or weeks) when they just don’t feel like working?” A look into current brain research may provide an answer.
Neuroscience has shown that how employees are treated at work results in a chemical reaction in the brain. If a manager shows interest in employees, supports them, and praises them genuinely, the manager is essentially “squirting” serotonin into the employee’s brain. Serotonin is the chemical that makes us feel good. It opens our minds to new ideas and creates a desire to support others. Serotonin leads to enhanced levels of motivation.
Likewise, a manager can inadvertently “squirt” the chemical cortisol into an employee’s brain by treating the employee unfairly or by diminishing the efforts of the employee. In turn, the cortisol leads the employee to shut down any willingness to help or to be open to new ideas. It’s a demotivator.
This brain research leads us to ask, “What can we do to consistently “squirt” motivation into an employee? Here are a few thoughts:
Add some fun and variety into the daily routine. When was the last time you and your staff laughed and played together? Throw around a ball, start an American Idol pool, begin each staff meeting with a “fun fact.” Anything that breaks the monotony will squirt a little serotonin around.
Provide employees with input and choices. The more we feel we can control our world, the more satisfied we are. As a manager, what can you let go of? How can you give a little more independence to your staff? When they feel in control, they’ll be more motivated to perform.
Develop goals and challenges for all employees. No matter the job, employees should know what they are working to achieve and what they need to do to get there. A clear path is a certain way to squirt some serotonin into the work environment.
As a manager, it’s important to know that just a little “squirt” can make a difference in another person’s life. Make it a good one.
