How to keep employees motivated in team meetings
The global pandemic heightened the issue of how to keep employees motivated in team meetings. Suddenly, daily routines were in disarray and stress levels heightened as workers were forced to switch gears conducting business at home. Working parents were distressed and distracted by virtual learning demands. Collaboration became a challenge, where one could no longer simply tap on a colleague’s shoulder to ask a question, but instead navigate new technology and delayed replies instead.
As we head into year three of the new normal and pandemic protocols, companies have been trying to creatively and strategically come up with new ways to increase employee engagement.
6 Ways to Increase Employee Engagement
1. Lead By Positive Example
As the leader of the team meeting, you shape not only the content of the meeting but set the tone. Begin with good news about the business or praise performance. Perhaps there is a milestone that should be celebrated, like a birthday or a promotion. Establishing a positive and approachable introductory narrative for the team meeting will encourage participation.
2. Take Turns Speaking
No one wants to listen to a talking head ramble endlessly, especially on-screen, which can cause feelings of being a passive spectator. Employees are proven to be more engaged when they are asked to collaborate and contribute. There are different ways to do this, for example, delegate employees to prepare something to present at each meeting. Also, during the meeting, make time and give space for employees to ask questions or share their thoughts and feelings on the topic at hand. You may also wish to alternate who leads, giving a fresh new face and energy to each meeting.
3. Create A Ritual
Launch the meeting with a knock-knock joke or motivational quote or wrap it up with a 10-minute mindfulness meditation. From silly to serene, having a unique moment that veers away from just business is a great way to keep the team meeting more lively and participants more focused. Predictability may sound like a snooze, so having a fun element in the meeting gives team members something to look forward to. Have the group suggest ideas to optimize a sense of ownership, which is also key in fostering engagement.
4. Allocate Social Time, Keep Tabs on the Talkative
Employees working from home, or those who are on a hybrid schedule, meaning coming into work for half the week and home the other days, is a common situation the pandemic gave rise to. Since colleagues no longer have opportunities to proverbially and literally gather at the water cooler to chat, allocating time to do so after the meeting helps create a work-life balance .
As mentioned earlier, encouraging employees to share their thoughts is essential for engagement, but it can backfire if some speak at unnecessary length. Establish a cutoff time for those who hold the floor; a timer on a smartphone can be set for everyone to get their fair air time.
5. Choose a theme
To add some personality and uniqueness to each team meeting you hold, consider using a theme. It could be a concept you wish your employees to focus on that week, it could be creatively thematic just for fun, or a recurring theme that addresses topics such as wellbeing. Themes could include improving teamwork, achieving a work-life balance , brand awareness, or wellness. This gives staff a common goal and framework to work within the team meeting.
6. Switch up Locations
“Location, location, location!” We hear it in real estate, but it certainly applies to team meeting engagement, as well. Do not be afraid to change meeting venues when you are broadcasting online. Be sure to keep in mind outside noises or poor lighting to avoid distractions. Suggest your employees do the same, and if they cannot most virtual meeting applications have wallpaper features to choose from, just a minor trick to preventing stagnation.
7. Use Engaging Meeting Software
At this stage of the game, most businesses have their preferred platform for hosting online team meetings. Make sure you and your staff know the different features that can enhance your meetings and presentations. If you are not very tech-savvy, see if you can schedule a meeting with the tech department, so they can teach you how to use the online meeting platform at an optimal level.
8. Have One-on-Ones
It is easy for employees working from home to begin to feel they are just a number, in the team meeting or at work in general. This is preventable by including one-on-one meetings, which will allow you to catch up with your staff in a more meaningful and authentic way. Ask about their personal wellbeing along with their work concerns and goals. This will increase the sense of connection between you and your staff, which is a great way to boost morale.
How to Keep Employees Motivated
Whether you are meeting online or in person, employee engagement will always be a concern. The good news is, if you are an SMB owner or manager and are thinking about how to keep your employees motivated, you are already halfway there. The desire to have an engaged workforce is a genuine business goal and one that is certainly achievable. Beyond team meetings, addressing other factors, such as hiring good employees that fit the company culture, or providing a robust employee benefits program, are excellent benchmarks in staff motivation and engagement.
