Staying Motivated At Work Using Five Simple Strategies

The end of the year is getting closer. Many of us have spent 2024 with the same role at work – meeting deadlines, hitting targets, and doing our job as responsibly as we can. We’ve tried to perform well, improve, and find new ways to contribute to our teams.

Still, a whole year can feel like a grind when we’ve had the same role for a long period. Feeling engaged, fresh, and innovative at work can be a challenge.

So we asked four of our best performing employees at TTEC what the secrets are to staying motivated at work and maintaining peak performance in the customer experience industry.

The power of goal setting

A big part of motivation is setting expectations for yourself. What do you expect yourself to achieve? Setting clear goals is one of the most common strategies mentioned by the four TTEC employees.

Miguel D. of TTEC Mexico emphasizes the importance of having direction and purpose in his work. “First, I set clear and achievable goals, which give me direction and purpose,” he shares. “I make it a point to learn something new regularly, whether it’s a new skill, knowledge, or a different perspective from a colleague.”

This sentiment is echoed by Mohammed N. of TTEC India, who finds motivation in regularly reviewing his progress towards his goals.

He shares: “I stay motivated by setting specific goals for myself and regularly reviewing my progress. I also seek input from colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for improvement with regards to my objectives.”

Embracing the feedback and improvement loop

Asking for feedback and continuously learning are integral to the personal and professional growth of TTEC employees. Miguel D. shares:

“I regularly seek feedback from my peers and mentors to identify areas for improvement and celebrate progress. I also stop to check the progress on my goals… and adjust my actions if needed.”

Positive conversations and good feedback processes at work elevate employee performance and inspire continuous improvement in the workplace. Leaders play a big role in having these conversations. James D. of TTEC Philippines highlights his dedication to employee and leadership development:

"I’m dedicated to learning and leadership development, constantly expanding my knowledge through experience and meaningful interactions with the leadership team."

Motivation is all about having a good attitude about feedback from leaders and team members and having a drive towards continuous improvement in the workplace.

Hemant B. of TTEC India explains: “It’s all about maintaining a growth mindset. I thrive on challenges, viewing them as opportunities to learn and develop new skills.”

Staying updated on industry standards

Keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices is another strategy that helps TTEC employees remain motivated and at the top of their game. Both Mohammed N. and Hemant B. make a conscious effort to stay informed and open to new skills and techniques that can enhance their work.

This commitment to innovation ensures they’re always looking for ways to improve their performance. Mohammed N. says, “I make a conscious effort to stay updated on industry trends and best practices. I’m always open to learning new skills or techniques that can enhance my work.”

Hemant B. also does his best to stay updated on industry best practices, saying “I’m always looking for innovative ways to enhance my performance. This commitment to personal and professional growth keeps me energized and dedicated to delivering my best every day.”

Recognizing great performance

Motivation is about more than setting goals and finding new ways to succeed. It’s also about rewards and recognition. Appreciating and commending victories of your own – big or small – is an essential component of staying engaged at work.

Mohammed N. shares, “Celebrating milestones at work and celebrating small victories along the way help me keep myself motivated and focused on continuous improvement.”

Hard work deserves appreciation – and not just from yourself. It’s even better when leaders and teammates celebrate an employee’s little successes.

Hemant B. says, “Regular feedback from my manager and colleagues also plays a crucial role in keeping me motivated. Beyond helping me identify areas for improvement, they actually celebrate my small successes. That really pushes me to do better.”

TTEC loves to recognize employees who perform well and finds creative ways to show appreciation and gratitude. That’s what makes TTEC a certified Great Place to Work®.

By acknowledging their progress and celebrating milestones at work for employees, TTEC ensures employees remain committed and passionate about their work.

Look at the bigger picture

When you focus only on your work and your targets, staying motivated at work can feel a little harder. Realizing how your work contributes to the company as a whole puts your hard work in context. It can shine a brighter light on how your good work affects the business.

Sometimes, remembering the bigger goals of your company can do wonders for energizing you at work. Miguel D. knows that’s true, saying: “I remind myself of the bigger picture and the impact of my work, which fuels my passion and commitment.”

James D. shares: “My focus is on the positive impact I make on TTEC and its people, which keeps me motivated… I look beyond personal rewards to help the organization thrive and achieve unified goals.”

Prioritizing “we” goals more than “me” goals can inspire people at work even more.

Finding a company that fuels your passion

Losing motivation at work is fairly common. Finding it again and more importantly keeping that energy high takes a very structured approach. Setting goals, getting feedback, staying updated on best practices, celebrating small victories, and remembering the big picture and the bigger impact of your work.

These tips can drive your motivation back up as 2024 winds down. Let’s end the year on a high note! Reignite you and your team’s passion for customer service by following these best practices.

TTEC loves to motivate their employees all throughout their employee journey. We’re committed to the personal and professional goals and growth of employees, as well as the enjoyment of our work. Want to be part of a company that values the employee experience? Check out the great jobs at TTEC. Connect with us!