How to motivate a team that is overwhelmed with work?

Do the Team development models, motivational techniques, and other tools to collaboratively keep employees happy at work apply when the amount/volume of work is so demanding that it can never be done or kept pace with?

I contend that these models and techniques are premised upon sufficient staffing levels. Comments please.

-- Tom Barnitz (barnitzt@eurekanet.com), September 27, 2000

Answers

Hi ! i'm not saying that i am an expert in this but i do have a few suggestions : 1) try to make the work more fun by empowering your employees.Give them more freedom to determine the ways to get the job done.

2) Try to change the perception of your workforce.For example, instead of thinking that the work is something troublesome, try to remind them that their contribution is important to the company.

3) Try to make the working environment more fun.For example, play with water pistols once in a while.( please be careful when u choose the type of game to play.A game that is fun for a person might not be suitable for all )

4) Try to discuss with your employees on ways to increase job satisfaction and job motivation.

5) lastly, u could try and use the Expectancy Theory. Please search for it on the Net.I'm sure you'll find it .

Anyway, if u choose to implement any of my ideas , please inform me of the results. thanx !

-- Ashadi (neometal2@eudoramail.com), October 03, 2000.

I agree that the overworked / understaffed situation is particularly problematic and many of the well known motivational tools just result in greater disenchantment from staff. The only suggestion I would have would be to change the focus from "finishing" work to "doing" the work. In one sense we never really keep up with work since when one thing finishes another begins. Focussing on successful day to day process and on setting smaller milestones of achievement might make people feel less overwhelmed. Also accepting the fact that keeping pace is not achieveable can in itself reduce stress. Finally the thing that works best for me is keeping people laughing.

-- iole matthews (iolem@iafrica.com), October 04, 2000.