Secret to motivated workers lies in quality of supervision

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http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/supervisors-key-motivating-staff-20140625

For Singapore, which has no natural resources and where human resource is a critical commodity, it seems perilous if our workers are rated as among the least satisfied in the Asia-Pacific region ("Turning around disengaged workers"; Monday).

Most jobs, however interesting and meaningful, will eventually become mundane. Despite this, the need to earn a living motivates most people to continue working.

Besides enlightened and progressive human resource policies, the secret to ensuring that workers remain engaged and motivated lies in the quality of supervision.

Supervisors play a significant role in ensuring staff happiness, fulfilment and a sense of belonging, so that the risk of work disengagement and dissatisfaction is ameliorated, if not obliterated. They will do well to:

Avoid micro-management. This is a sign of insecurity. Staff need adequate breathing space to function.

Be trusting, unless there are reasons to act otherwise.

Accord junior staff a voice. It is common among supervisors to perceive such staff as incapable of constructive contribution, given their insufficient work experience. Consequently, these workers feel alienated.

Look at the big picture instead of sweating over trivial matters.

Realise every staff member's potential and show a genuine interest in developing it. Paying lip service to this is common.

Exhibit exemplary behaviour, such as punctuality, integrity and professionalism.

Empower staff and refrain from being a control freak.

Avoid favouritism as this causes inequity among workers.

Frown upon politicking, backstabbing and backbiting as these cause distrust, suspicion and instability.

Lawrence Loh Kiah Muan