Workplace demotivation is a problem that affects both employees and organizations. Lack of motivation is one of the main causes of talent turnover, as there is a mismatch or discrepancy between expectations and job functions.
The result: unhappy workers with a performance and productivity well below compared to their motivated co-workers, which in the long run will affect the organization negatively.
Despite the bad consequences in organizations, a report by Steelcase states that 37% of the employees worldwide are unhappy with their company and, in an European level, Spain tops the list with discouraged workers. This means that there are a lot of things to be done.
With this fact in mind, organizations are looking to create and put into action various strategies to keep their employees motivated. But, to fix this problem, first we need to know what are the causes of unmotivated employees.
What are the reasons for a unmotivating workplace?
Spoiler altert: No, the salary is not the main reason.
8 Reasons for unmotivated employees
If you are concerned about demotivation on your teams but you do not know what factors are causing this situation, here we let you a list of the main reasons:
1. Lack of recognition
The lack of recognition of employees by their superiors and other co-workers are, by several studies, the main cause of job demotivation.
To empower teams, we must recognize the efforts and let them know that their work has an important role for the proper functioning of the organization.
A disregard for a job well done can cause frustration and unhappiness, so managers should pay special attention and put part of their efforts in rewarding the performance of their teams.
The lack of recognition is also reflected in the feeling of being invisible employees within the organization. When a company does not listen to their workers, they feel like a number rather than a valuable contribution, that can improve the performance of the organization.
Team Insights is a tool that gives visibility and a voice to employees through pulse surveys, where they can give their opinion about important issues that affect the organization, and allows managers to enhance the motivation and the commitment of their teams, and therefore boost their productivity and performance.
2. Toxic working environment
As we are social human beings, the community in which we move in is of significant importance. The social bonds and the feeling of belonging in a group are key factors in labor welfare.
The lack of a team spirit, the null collaboration or social isolation are some of the main reasons why employees may feel unmotivated.
A way to prevent demotivation is to promote a positive work environment, fostering teamwork, interdepartmental collaboration and a healthy competitivity mentality with co-workers, which will contribute in people’s happiness in their workplace.
As a crucial ally, Team Insights can be very helpful, as one of its main KPI is Work Environment and Motivation. We can measure the working environment of your organization and have a historic record that helps you see the evolution of the decisions.
3. Expectations bias
Another reason that causes demotivation is the discrepancy between what the employee expects to do and what he or she actually does: feeling overwhelmed by the situation, not having the necessary skills or knowledge to perform the tasks or, being overqualified for a position that does not require it.
When this conflict appears, employees will be reluctant to perform their duties.
Although it is impossible for HR professionals to always hire the best talent, they should ensure that they have candidates who best fit the needs of the job position, to avoid the development of negative emotions in the future.
4. Lack of communication
Employees often look for information within the company in order to know their role and have clarity regarding their functions. However, all they get is… nothing.
Lack of communication is a serious problem, especially among team members and their direct superiors, because it implies a lack of total interest about the employees, causing misunderstandings and unpleasant situations that could be avoided by enhancing feedback.
Just by getting to know people who are part of your team, you can create the appropriate strategies to prevent unmotivated employees.
Therefore, with Team Insights you can know your team through pulse surveys, and also through an anonymous chat, which is a scenario that promotes an open communication in which employees can generate conversations with their managers that help provide solutions to the lack of motivation and commitment.
- Also: ” 7 Reasons why you should lose the fear of frequently asking questions to your collaborators”
5. Lack of a professional growth plan
Another trigger that causes unmotivated teams is the lack of growth opportunities within the organization.
One of our basic needs is the self-realization. So, the impossibility to scale up to positions of greater responsibility is enough reason for those ambitious employees to not be motivated.
To reverse this problem and encourage motivation, it is essential that organizations have their career plans well defined, available for all, so employees are aware of the necessary steps to grow, thus boosting their motivation.
6. Inhibition of the creative potential
Monotony is one of the worst enemies of motivation. Repetitive tasks, low workloads extended in long periods of time or inability to squeeze the intellectual and creative potential are reasons to unmotivating employees.
It is important to have dynamic spaces and, define job positions with enough variety of tasks for employees to enhance their creative potential and to bring out innovative and disruptive ideas. This will not only improve their motivation, but as well bring value to the company they belong.
7. Inefficient management
A mismanagement of human capital and resources by the managers of the organization can trigger a strong workplace demotivation.
There are many ways that managers can do wrong, but several studies state that the worst thing that can happen to a team is the total lack of leadership: ” it is better an authoritarian leader than no leader at all “.
These leaders are psychologically absent most of the time and fail to establish emotional bonds with their colleague. They are unaware of the workload or the complex group dynamics, therefore contribute in creating spaces with high levels of stress that diminish morale and motivation.
Team Insights is a perfect tool to end the barrier of communication between managers and employees. This can be a great opportunity to make the best decisions with actual real information.
8. Unfair salary
Last but not least, salary is important, although less than what we commonly believe.
If employees do not earn enough money or consider what they perceive is less than what they deserve, motivation can decrease quickly. So, if we do not want our employees to fall into a debacle of demotivation, it is essential to respect the salary ranks.
In conclusion, unmotivated employees affects both performance and their mental health, that can have negative consequences in the company. To stop this issue, it is important to implement measures which include recognition, open and fluid communication, a good management system and develop opportunities of professional growth.
Team Insights helps you spot early signs of demotivation, so you can take action before it’s too late.
Discover everything that our software can do for your team and your organization with this 1h demo.
