The Power of Purpose : Motivating Sri Lankan Employees in the Hybrid Work Era

Introduction

The hybrid work model, which combines remote and in-office employment, has emerged as a distinguishing element of today's workplace. While it promotes flexibility and work-life balance, it also introduces new obstacles, notably in terms of employee motivation. In Sri Lanka, where strong human relationships and team culture are highly prized, the transition to hybrid work can lead to feelings of isolation and separation. Motivation theory, which focuses on understanding and meeting employees' both internal and external needs, offers an effective framework for firms to negotiate these problems.

Figure 1 

Understanding Motivation Theory - Herzberg's two-factor theory

Herzberg's two-factor theory is a content-based approach. It presents two sets of elements that might result in either satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Herzberg identifies the variables that cause satisfaction or dissatisfaction as hygienic and motivational factors. Salary, job stability, and working circumstances are important elements in minimizing unhappiness, but they do not always inspire motivation. Employees are inspired to perform at their best by motivators including recognition, responsibility, and personal success. (Indeed Editorial Team, 2023) In the hybrid work environment, Sri Lankan companies must pay attention to both hygienic aspects and motivators to guarantee that employees feel both happy and inspired to accomplish their best job.

Figure 2 Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/herzberg-theory

Motivation & the Hybrid Work Model

In Sri Lanka, hybrid work has the potential to be both beneficial and detrimental. While it provides freedom to employees, it also creates issues such as isolation and disengagement. According to (Jayanandana & Jayathilaka, 2023) people who work remotely frequently feel alienated from their colleagues and the company's goals, which can diminish motivation and productivity. This is particularly true in a culture that values face-to-face engagement and cooperation.  

To solve these difficulties, companies must prioritize cultivating a feeling of purpose and belonging among their employees. Employees are more motivated when they believe their job is important and consistent with the organization's objective. Companies in Sri Lanka, such as MAS Holdings, have effectively engaged their employees by tying individual duties to larger social issues like sustainability and community development. This strategy gives employees a sense that their work has a greater purpose, which dramatically increases motivation and job satisfaction. (MAS Holdings, 2023)

Furthermore, acknowledging employee efforts, both large and small, is critical to motivation. Dialog Axiata has adopted digital recognition programs to honour staff accomplishments in a hybrid setting. These initiatives make employees feel appreciated, regardless of whether they work remotely or in an office. (Dialog Axiata PLC, 2023)

 

The Importance of Communication in Hybrid Work

One of the most effective methods to encourage and inspire team members is stories and examples. Stories and examples may effectively communicate company vision, values, and ambitions, as well as demonstrate the leadership, trustworthiness, and sincerity. (LinkedIn community, 2024) Employee motivation relies heavily on communication, especially in hybrid situations. In Sri Lanka, where relationships are key to business culture, it is critical for firms to maintain effective communication channels between remote and in-office staff. Frequent check-ins, virtual meetings, and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams can help employees stay connected to one another and the organization's goals. According to research, consistent communication fosters trust and responsibility, both of which are critical for motivation in distant and hybrid work situations.

Figure 3

Conclusion

Motivating employees in Sri Lanka’s hybrid work era requires a thoughtful approach that integrates both hygiene factors and motivators. Organizations may establish an atmosphere in which employees feel valued and engaged by using motivation theory and concentrating on generating a feeling of purpose, recognition, and effective communication. Hybrid work brings both obstacles and possibilities, and by prioritizing employee requirements, Sri Lankan companies may assure long-term success and a committed staff.

 

 

References

Dialog Axiata PLC, 2023. Dialog Axiata PLC | Annual Report 2023, Colombo: Dialog Axiata PLC.

Indeed Editorial Team, 2023. Motivation Theories (Definition, Types And Examples). [Online]
Available at: https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/motivation-theories
[Accessed 17 11 2024].

Jayanandana, N. & Jayathilaka, R., 2023. Factors affecting job performance of SriLankan IT professionals working from home. 18(12), p. 27.

LinkedIn community, 2024. How do you use communication to motivate and inspire your team?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-use-communication-motivate-inspire-1c#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20powerful,leadership%2C%20credibility%2C%20and%20authenticity.
[Accessed 18 11 2024].

MAS Holdings, 2023. MAS Holdings Impact Report 2023, Colombo: MAS Holdings.