5 Ways to Keep Top Performing Employees Challenged and Motivated


The corporate world is a highly competitive and complex environment, with carefully developed rhythms. In every company there are different types of employees, and they all have their own set of skills and qualifications. But in every company there are those who distinguish themselves, who, through their work ethics and outstanding performances are an inspiration to everyone around them. They are the extraordinary workers and the top performers that understand the purpose of their work, those determined to always create something remarkable, using all their capabilities.

Every business should make the preservation and motivation of said workers a top priority, giving the fact that they are crucial for corporate sustainability. It’s important to identify your top performers and to properly understand their mentality, what will help them stay dedicated and engaged. One of the worst things you could do is think that they will always be as motivated and invested in their work. The truth is, without proper managing, you could end up losing your best employees and this could seriously damage your entire operation. Here are some ways that will help you keep you top performers motivated, in order for them to fully use their abilities:

  1. Acknowledge their achievements and offer constant feedback

This is an important rule that everyone should follow: good work should always be acknowledged. Whenever one of your best employees has achieved something that is of great importance for your company, you should find ways to reward them. Make sure that they know their work is appreciated, by offering financial rewards when the situation calls for or simply giving them the credit they deserve. If they feel they are appreciated and valued, they get the motivation they need.

  1. Keep them from experiencing too much stress

There are some things that can affect everyone’s productivity. Exhaustion, excessive workloads or being underpaid can increase the stress levels, which can have damaging effects on an individual’s health and it will definitely interfere with their performance. Top performers are well-known overachievers, so they are prone to putting a lot of pressure on themselves. Encourage them to reach out for support when they feel overwhelmed and take note that a small amount of procrastination can have a positive side, so don’t make them feel guilty for those three minutes they spent watching a silly cat video. Small breaks like this help people relax and regroup.

  1. Show that you trust them

Autonomy and flexibility are two of the things that highly effective workers need in order to maintain an elevated level of dedication. Give them tasks that show you trust them with the important things and don’t look over their shoulder too much. This will demonstrate to them that they’re appreciated and that their role is an important one. Instead of acting like an overbearing boss, try becoming a mentor to those who have proven their potential and their determination.

  1. Help them stay passionate about their work

New tasks and responsibilities can help your best workers feel more challenged and engaged in their work. Great performances happen when good workers are constantly pushing their boundaries, by taking more challenging projects. But make sure to prevent them from overworking themselves. Never believe that a driven and talented individual who does good work doesn’t need to be stimulated and motivated constantly. You could also invest in training programs that help them gain new skills and expand their knowledge.

  1. Make sure the work environment is a positive one

If people feel good about coming to work, they will have better results and it will help them be motivated. Encourage creativity and spontaneity, two things that describe a positive environment. Make sure they have all the necessary equipment and that the work conditions are up to date. You could also hire an interior design to transform the office into a work friendly place. Keep in mind that while it’s important to help your top performers be as productive as humanly possible, it’s also necessary to remember that they need to have a healthy work-life balance, which will give them stability and it will prevent them from feeling “trapped”.

Any good employer knows that having talented people that are driven and dedicated to their work is vital to any successful company. The high-achieving individuals should always be acknowledged and rewarded, because they have a great impact on business results. In this competitive world, no one affords to lose those who are excellent at what they do.