How to work with people who can’t be arsed

Are you feeling frustrated with demotivated people at work who appear sluggish or downright lazy? Ever fantasised about losing your sh*t with those who only shift from sloth mode to cheetah speed when it's time to go home?

Instead, though, you silently seethe, occasionally leaking passive-aggressive comments when repeat offenders actually turn up on time: ‘Oh, remembered to set the alarm, did we?’

At some point, you’re probably going to flip your lid because you’re human, and you’re starting to resent feeling like you’re carrying everyone else. So what can you do to prevent starring in your own s**t show and start turning sloths into cheetahs?

Find out what’s demotivating your people

First and foremost, you need to get clear on exactly what is meant by ‘motivation’ - Mark Sparvell nails it when writing for Forbes in 2021.

‘Motivation is the reason we do what we do. It’s a largely internal process that’s tied directly to our emotions, and it is critical for productivity, learning and mindset’. Without motivation, the best we can hope for is compliance, where people do just enough to get the job done.’

You see, just enough is not good enough. How can you help someone to want to do the work, to feel like doing it, to get meaning and enjoyment from it?  Are they downright lazy, or could they be overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated?

Anonymous surveys are good for capturing honest data to see if there are any trends, using questions like:

• What improvements would you like to see in your work environment?
• Are you clear on what your role is on a daily basis?
• Are you regularly given clear and useful feedback?
• What makes you smile at work?
• What frustrates you in your role?

Are you part of the problem?

It’s time to squirm and put the spotlight on you so you can reflect on your own behaviours. Could you be accidentally adding fuel to the problem by:

Micromanaging

Do you struggle to delegate? Do you live by the motto ‘if you want something done right, do it yourself’? If yes, then it's time to start letting go and maybe seeking some support on this from leadership.

Misreading some behaviours - particularly those of Gen Z?

Is your perception of ‘lazy’ biased? I confess I’m a wanna-be luddite, but society and my teenage children won’t allow it. I still cringe at text abbreviations, whilst a generation of people raised in the digital era simply see it as a way of doing something quicker. Yet I stubbornly dig my heels in and insist on typing ‘Laugh Out Loud’ in full because it shows I’ve put the effort in, and don’t get me started on the thumbs-up emoji response to a text I’ve just put my heart and soul into...

If others do the job differently from the way you would do it, does this mean they are ‘doing it wrong’?

How can you help your people feel like they want to be there?

I’m an ALDI shopper (OK, I might occasionally flirt with Sainsbury’s), and every time I shop there, no matter the location or time of day, the staff are always happy and friendly with customers and with each other.

According to their Corporate Responsibility document, people are their ‘focus’, and they are ‘committed to providing our employees with personal fulfilment’ -  a tall order, but they’re definitely doing something right. Their people want to be there.

In a 2016 article about the ‘Behavioural Neuroscience of Motivation’, researchers stated that: ‘The regulation of motivated behaviours is achieved by the coordinated action of molecules (peptides, hormones, neurotransmitters etc.)’. This is the stuff we bang on about all the time at Laughology because we know the science, and we know it works. Humans need a regular DOSE* of positive neurotransmitters (*Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphins) for motivation and learning.

So, if you’re serious about turning sloths into cheetahs, find out what makes them tick, reflect on your own behaviours and how they could be impacting, and take action to make your workplace a happier place to be.

To learn more about DOSE and spark ideas for your business, read this FREE Laughology cheatsheet to explore what people can do to get a regular DOSE of happiness chemicals. Or give us a call to book our keynote, Finding Your Oomph, or simply for some advice. Our Doug likes speaking to people - doug@laughology.co.uk

Kerry Leigh is one of our most experienced and sought-after consultants and facilitators, having joined Laughology in its infancy. She’s a professional comedian and compere, a captivating trainer and host, and has a talent for quickly building rapport with any group. Kerry also has a deep appreciation of stationery and is particularly happy when she has a good-quality notebook in her hand.