PES Network exchanges have highlighted that Public Employment Service (PES) managers can cultivate motivation and leadership among their staff by focusing on their internal ideals and values. Fostering employee buy-in and pride in one’s work can prove just as important as external motivators, such as material rewards.

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Dealing effectively with staff motivation and leadership is one of the prerequisites for PES being able to face the challenges of the future, including increased digitalisation and automation. In this context, horizontal career progression – in terms of developing new skills or acquiring new experience – can be just as important as promotions and pay rises.

Potential solutions also need to take into account specific situations and preferences. For example, teleworking can boost motivation in certain circumstances where it is requested by the employee; but risks being counter-productive when imposed by the employer.

Similarly, leadership should be seen as much more than telling people what to do, but as inspiring people – building on the idea that the staff values and those of the organisation should align as much as possible.

These messages emerged from a PES Network Mutual Learning Webinar on ‘Staff Motivation and Leadership’ held online on 24 September 2020. Participants heard presentations of practical approaches from Belgian (Le Forem), Irish and German PES representatives.

The event stressed that each PES will need to have its own approach, but some elements are transferable and that is why it is so important to share knowledge and experiences within the PES Network.

Learn more by watching the recording of the webinar online or reading the summary report.