Sufficient autonomy
As The Balance states, there is nothing more demotivating than feeling like a replaceable cog in a large machine without any autonomy. For employees to be happy, positive and motivated, it is necessary they have a certain authority to make decisions and the ability to decide about their work for themselves.
Appreciation of a job well done
Although certain forms of success are predefined, included in the job description of individual workers and automatically expected, it is still necessary managers explicitly appreciate the particular successes of individual employees. A complimentary word can have more impact than one might expect.
Work-life balance
Surveys show clearly that people who are able to balance their personal, family life with work life are then more hard-working and more efficient in their job. Flexible working hours or the ability to stay at home with a sick child without taking a day's leave is something that will pay off financially in the long run.
Clearly defined roles within the team
What makes a working environment flourish is individual people having their functions clearly defined. They should know their rights and obligations, as well as what they can expect of others. A lack of clarity here will only add to an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty.
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