Motivating the Workforce

Jayne BillamHR Director

University of Lincoln21st January 2010

Content

• Background

• Role of HRD

• What is motivation

• How to motivate a workforce

• How to measure motivation

• Summary

Background

Recent History of the University• Relocation to Lincoln• TUPE transfers• Aspirations• Culture and values• Working with different staff groups• Sector challenges and funding cuts

Role of HRD

• My background

• Level in the Organisation

• Structure of the function

• People challenges/Strategy• Performance Management• Achieving aspirations and targets• Engagement and collaboration• Herding cats!

The Knowledge Worker

“Knowledge workers do not see themselves as subordinates or employees and cannot be managed in what was previously regarded as Theory X or Theory Y way. Knowledge workers see themselves more as ‘associates’ of the organisation rather than ‘employees’”

Hui-Chun and Miller 2005

Motivation is…• Individual

‘ Motivation is the fire within. If someone else tries to light that fire under, the chances are it will burn very briefly.’ Stephen Covey

• Energy & enthusiasm• Passion & vision• Inspirational leadership not management• Having fun• Recognition and achievement• Personal growth

How to Achieve a Motivated Workforce

• Understand the history collective and personal

• Recognise a single solution will not work

• Recruit, retain & develop leaders – one person is not enough

• Celebrate success it is infectious

What Does that Mean in a University?

• Clear about our purpose

• Inspiring people & locations

• Opportunities to engage, listen and develop

• Share the challenge/be honest

• Share the vision, ambition and goals

• Clear accountability

Measuring motivation• Quantative Measures

• Turnover• Absence statistics• Attitude surveys• Number of collective disputes

• Qualitative Measures• Quality of conversations• Attendance at events• Staff suggestion scheme• Well being initiatives• Collaborative working• Delivery of goals

Personal Beliefs

• Live the values• Keep sight of the bigger picture• One person can make a difference.

“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.”

Anita Roddick – Founder of the Body Shop

Summary

• Know yourself and be true to your values

• Know your organisation

• Be clear about where you are trying to get to and have clear measures of success

• Small things can create big momentum