Clearly, it is not hard to appreciate that a motivated workforce leads to enhanced productivity and positive results for any business. Employees are motivated not only by personal gain but also by feeling part of the pharmacy team and fully contributing to its goals.

However, many of us don’t actively motivate our staff. We see it as an abstract management term, separate to our daily business. Maybe we are too busy to do this? However, we know that motivation produces tangible results:

1. Lower staff turnover
2. Enhanced productivity and results
3. Cohesive and positive work environment
4. Confidence in employee skills
5. A better bottom line
6. Positive PR for the pharmacy.

We also are aware of the very real and tangible results of a de-motivated workforce:

1. Tension and anxiety
2. Workplace conflict
3. Reduced energy levels
4. Low staff retention
5. Lack of clear direction
6. Poor business results.

As with most things in the business world, motivation is simply common sense. If you feel unhappy, you have less energy, less drive and, in turn, you produce poorer results.

Motivating your staff is not a one-off project and this is where many businesses go wrong. They may send staff on a team building programme, expecting massive change in the workplace that does not happen.