8 Ways Intranet Can Help Shape Company Culture And Boost Employee Motivation [HBR Report]
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In the advent of hybrid and remote work, organizations faced a unique array of challenges to boost and connect their employees. Despite all, one crucial element stands as a cornerstone that fuels the engines of success like no other- company culture. However, it is essential to acknowledge that employee motivation is multifaceted and influenced by various factors. Employee motivation hinges on factors directly or indirectly related to culture — community, leadership styles, compensation, flexibility, and sense of purpose, to name a few. We know how the cultures we build determine the success of our organizations. Yet the spread of hybrid and remote work, and the potential for isolation, adds new challenges to creating a culture that keeps employees motivated to do their best work.
The Major Influences on Employee Motivation
Lindsey McGregor and Neil Doe from Harvard Business Review measured employee motivation from -100 to 100. HBR lists various factors that affect employee motivation and ranks role design as the most impactful of these. Yet crucially, organizational identity and community are listed almost as high.
To create a lasting organizational identity, or to establish a strong sense of community in the workplace, we need leaders to spearhead a thriving and engaging culture. However, in the new remote and hybrid working age, it can be a catch-22 for leaders to create an exciting workplace culture among the remote workforces. The retreat from remote work can potentially disrupt the delicate equilibrium of work-life balance. Leaders find themselves grappling with the task of replicating the spontaneous interactions, team cohesion, vibrant energy of impromptu brainstorming sessions, and casual conversations that contribute to a strong sense of belonging.
We know that remote work has sparked many new chapters of working environment and team collaboration. Although, it came with a few downsides to the once vibrant community and culture within the workplace.
41% of remote employees need help fitting into the company culture.
With the lack of shared physical space, employees might feel less motivated and connected with their teammates like they used to be. But for organizations, there is a better way to help unite the dispersed workforce from remote, on-field, and frontline workers. This is where Modern Intranet enters the picture.
But before diving into how an intranet can help you motivate your workforce; you’ll need to know the key factors influencing employee motivation.
Three Critical Factors of Motivation
According to the HBR, three critical factors can significantly impact employee motivation: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose.
Autonomy: Empowering employees with freedom, ownership, and creativity. Motivation thrives when individuals make decisions, embrace purpose, and avoid constant micromanagement. By granting them the freedom to work in their own way, the company cultivates a culture of trust and confidence.
Mastery: Mastery is desiring to get better at something that matters. As an employer, you can foster a learning culture by providing opportunities for training and development, feedback, and recognition. A learning culture like this fosters a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, as employees feel they are progressing and excelling in their roles.
Purpose: Aligning meaning, impact, and connection. Communicating values, goals, and the bigger picture to showcase employees’ contributions. This alignment creates a culture with a shared sense of mission and a strong sense of belonging.
When combined, Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose form a powerful trifecta that transforms the company culture. Employees feel valued, trusted, and inspired, which leads to higher job satisfaction, increased loyalty, and a more motivated workforce. Now that you know the key factors of motivation and the secret ingredient is an engaging work culture, how would you put them into action?
You’ll need a centralized hub — A Modern Intranet
Ways Intranet Can Create an Engaging Workplace Culture-In-office, Remote or On-field:
Recognition and Rewards: One of the simplest yet effective ways to motivate employees is by recognizing their hard work and rewarding them for their achievements. Reward behaviors, not just outcomes. It encourages a culture of collaboration, recognition, and growth. Gartner says an effective recognition and rewards program can boost employee performance on average by 11.1%. This can be simple shoutouts on your company intranet, offering training opportunities, or giving them rewards such as gift cards.
Team Building Activities: A strong team is essential for the success of any organization. Use your intranet to organize team-building activities such as virtual happy hours, virtual coffee or online trivia contests to promote employee collaboration and camaraderie.
Learning and Development: As we have seen in the HBR study, career growth is a top motivating factor for employees. You can offer e-learning courses and certifications through the intranet, allowing employees to expand their skill set and take on new challenges.
Open Communication: Encourage open communication and employee feedback by creating a forum on your Intranet. Your employees are the best source of information about what’s working and what’s not in your culture. Take the time to listen to their concerns, ideas, thoughts, and suggestions, and then act on them, creating a sense of belonging and empowering employees to take ownership of their work.
Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate significant milestones such as work anniversaries, birthdays, and project completions on your Intranet. This will create a positive work environment and show employees that their hard work is appreciated. Studies show that we tend to spend more time with co-workers at the workplace, especially during the ages of 20 to 50. For this very reason, acknowledging or celebrating milestones with colleagues serves as a key factor in fostering motivation and maintaining a positive work environment. Also, 64% of employees agree that their company is an excellent workplace when they are satisfied with how life events are celebrated.
Wellness Programs: Encourage employee well-being by using your Intranet to promote wellness programs such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and health challenges. By promoting these programs, you can show your commitment to your employee’s well-being and create a workplace that feels like home. When they feel supported, stress-free and energized, they’re more likely to stick for the long run, loyal, giving their best and taking ownership of the tasks.
Fun Contests: Who doesn’t love a good contest? Use your Intranet to create fun challenges such as a “Best Zoom Background” or “Funniest Pet Photo” contest. This will help employees bond and promote a fun workplace environment. Aside from job-related initiatives, refreshing non-work activities can be game changers. They breathe life into your company’s culture and fuel motivation like nothing else.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Inspire like-minded employees to form groups to share similar interests, backgrounds, or experiences, creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered. ERGs like sports teams, cooking crews, readers hub, veteran support, and pride alliance are just a few examples that can foster belonging, driving positive change, and supporting personal and career development. A safe space where employees bring their whole selves to the table.
Of course, these are just a few ideas; every workplace is different. The key is to listen to your employees, understand their needs and preferences, and create a culture that empowers their autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
Wrap Up
Company culture is a powerful force that can make or break employee motivation. But with a little effort and commitment, you can create a culture that supports your employees’ growth, happiness, and success.
So, there you have it: Have fun! Create opportunities for laughter, creativity, and play in your workplace, whether it’s through team-building activities, virtual games, or fun decor. Yes, work can be severe, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull or monotonous.
PeopleOne is an intranet platform where all this and more can be done. And if you want to learn more about this solution, talk to us today.
Investing in inspirational company culture is worth it.
