Keeping employees motivated is essential for a happy, productive work place. Motivated employees deliver a better product and contribute actively to your company, bringing fresh ideas and solutions to problems that crop up. However, it can be challenging to keep workers driven. Several factors have a negative impact on motivation, including unclear expectations, a lack of personal investment and a lack of rewards and pay.

Unclear Expectations

When employees don't fully understand a task they've been given, it can be difficult for them to stay motivated. University of Southern California professor Richard Clark explains that if an employee doubts her ability to complete a task, her enthusiasm and commitment to the company decrease. Discuss expectations with your employee. For bigger projects, create a rubric or guide that outlines metrics for a successful project. Be clear and specific, offering examples or concrete goals for each task.

Inability to Perform

Some employees don't have the skills or tools they need to perform the given task. This can lead employees to feel insecure about their work and unsure about how meet expectations. A lack of tools also can make employees feel as though their company is not invested in their success.

Lack of Ownership

It is important for workers to believe they have some stake in the company where they work. Employees who feel as though they are just following orders are less invested in the final product because it does not reflect their ideas and creativity. Additionally, employees who must ask their managers for permission to address even small problems work less efficiently and are less likely to solve problems on their own.

Lack of Compensation

Workers who believe they are inadequately compensated for their work are less likely to get fired up about their job. They feel undervalued, which can make them resentful and may affect their willingness to work hard.