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Monday is already here after a speedy weekend and you, the CEO, roll into your company’s parking lot (maybe in your Lamborghini?). You’re in a pleasant mood after just listening to the new upbeat song on the radio “Believer” by Imagine Dragons.

You walk into the front door and see that people are already at their workspaces. Throughout the day however, you notice the body language of several employees. Stephen looks like he is going through the motions. Jasmine looks as if she’s working hard but doesn’t appear interested in her work. Mike is working, but looks more interested in the song he is subvocalizing. Meanwhile, the transparent look of frustration on Valerie’s face just says it all.

As this scenario indicates, this is clearly one unmotivated company of employees. Believe it or not, you’re not alone.

The Job Satisfaction and Engagement Report shows that 72% of employees view respectful treatment of employees at all times as very important. However, only 33% were satisfied with the way employees were treated. This low percentage suggests that many companies struggle with motivating and meeting the needs of its employees.

A question worth considering: How can managers and HR motivate employees so they show up to work with a sense of purpose?

What if you’re company has a culture that does more to motivate its employees than you, the manager or HR? Stick around to see how you can create such a team driven culture and harmonious working environment.

Convey Strong Leadership through your Mannerisms

Studies show that an employee’s work performance is greatly enhanced when they are motivated. In this section, learn several effective tips pertaining to character that help convey strong leadership and boost the desire of your employees to perform well.

#1 Demonstrate competence in your work– In order to win influence, they must see you as someone that knows his stuff. Don’t create a double standard by screwing up often while demanding perfection from your employees.

#2 Praise people for their accomplishments– When employees are bogged down in their work, it can be difficult to see the results or their value. Genuine praise provides a spark of motivation and employees feel appreciated. They know their work is paying off and will want to keep it up.

#3 Be tactful when providing constructive feedback– Often times, employers will resort to harsh rebuking to communicate authority. Although this approach may create action, your employee may become frustrated. An influential leader needs to be well received if he is going to create buy in to his company’s vision.

The Job Satisfaction and Engagement Report shows that employees view proper treatment and respect from their employer as important. Not surprisingly, a high percentage were unsatisfied. Therefore, it is essential to show genuine respect and communicate that you still value their efforts when giving constructive criticism.

Now that you have summoned the strong-minded leader within yourself, implement opportunities to develop a company culture of dedicated employees.

Provide Opportunities that Promote a Harmonious Working Environment

One motivational factor that gives people an incentive to get back to work is their coworkers. A survey carried out by Indeed reveals that 60% of respondents like their colleagues and 45% of employees miss their coworkers when away from the office. These statistics demonstrate that building friendships in the workplace is a big deal.

Below are three opportunities you can provide to establish synergy among your company’s team.

#1 Organize Social Events – Allow your employees the chance to relax, laugh, and build stronger ties in the workplace. A few examples include a bowling night, going out to lunch, and making time for a happy hour.

#2 Team Huddles – Use team huddles to ask icebreaker questions, reflect on company goals, or reinforce company policies. With these opportunities, your employees will feel as though your company’s vision is part of their purpose. They will be more inclined to show up and bring their best, even when they don’t feel like it.

#3 Create Team Memories – And capture them! Take team pictures, save special emails,  and print awards; revisiting these memories during corporate meetings. This helps people cherish and remember the good times they have at work.

With consistent leadership and opportunities to develop a harmonious working environment, the only thing that is missing is humanizing your work relationships.

Humanize Your Work Relationship with Your Employees

The Society for Human Resource Management reports 58% out of 600 employees view their relationship with their employer as important. So build a strong relationship by learning more about them! Host get-togethers; engage in conversations with employees about their hobbies and personal life (appropriately, of course).

Don’t be afraid to show a sense of humor. People love a good sense of humor. It is effective for team bonding and it engenders people to support you. If you are always serious and tense, people will treat work negatively and feel stressed out. Humor can lighten the mood during a crisis.

Also, be humble. During negative outcomes, take more of the blame. As Arnold H. Glasow put it, “a good leader takes more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit.” By doing this, your employees will be less likely to see you as someone who always thinks he is right

You now have three effective steps to apply while motivating employees.

Remember to:

#1 Convey strong leadership by demonstrating competence, toughness and fairness, as well as by recognizing employees for their good work.

#2 Provide opportunities to build a dedicated culture of employees such as team huddles, and social events, as well as opportunities for employees to share experiences.

#3 Humanize your work relationship with your employees by learning about their hobbies and life outside of work.

If you are unsure about how strong your company’s culture is, Novarete offers a free cultural assessment that can help you figure out your culture’s baseline. Once you know, you’ll have a better idea of what steps need to be taken.