Staff involvement

• Innovation

  Innovation occurs when a new idea is applied to an existing product or idea.

  • Businesses are able to gain competitive advantage if innovations are successful 
  • Businesses should encourage an innovative business culture by recognising and encouraging one of the most important sources for innovative ideas; employees. 
  • This can be referred to as the intrapreneurship of employees within a business
• Motivation

  Motivation refers to the individual, internal process that directs, energises and sustains a person's behaviour. 

  • High levels of motivation result in increasing rates of productivity.
  • rewards or punishments to motivate their employees. (E.g increased pay and improved conditions vs fears of reprimand, demotion or dismissal) 
  • Tips for motivating staff include encouraging suggestions, leading by example, giving recognition and appreciation, communicating regularly with staff, taking interest in employee development.
  •  Money is NOT the most suitable motivator. 
• Mentoring

  Mentoring refers to the process of developing another individual by offering tutoring and coaching, and modelling acceptable behaviour.

  • With the aim of providing advice and guidance
  • A mentor is a usually more experienced employee who acts as a guide
  • A formal mentoring program is beneficial because, increases the possibility of skill transfer, assists with the training and development of all employees and passes on skills and abilities of experienced staff members, psychological support for inexperienced employees as well as allowing mentors to develop interpersonal skills.
• Training

  Training refers to the process of teaching staff how to perform their job more efficiently and effectively by boosting their knowledge and skills. Allowing employees to continually upgrade their skills with the aim of developing:

  • Multiskilled employees are better able to adapt to rapidly changing technological environments, provide better customer service, participate effectively in work teams (maintaining the businesses competitive advantage through increased participation with innovative ideas), gain promotion leading to a greater commitment to the business. 
• Staff involvement

  Staff involvement refers to involving employees in the decision making process and giving them necessary skills and rewards.