If you’re looking for fresh ways to motivate your employees this upcoming year, try these four tips.

It doesn’t have to be all boredom and monotony at your job. Korn Ferry found that 33 percent of professionals plan on looking for a new job in the upcoming year due to boredom and the need for new challenges in their present job. It’s difficult to work for the same company when you don’t feel motivated.

But with the right mindset and attitude, you could create a workplace that is not only fun to be in but also filled with hard workers who boost your business and create a positive environment.

Nowadays, businesses are becoming more laid-back with their strategies surrounding company culture, working remotely and implementing more fun into the equation. Employees are no longer willing to sacrifice a 9-to-5 life every day until they die; they’re looking for a better way to live and make money, and they want to have fun while doing it. That’s why it’s so important to keep employees motivated and excited about the work they do.

If you’re looking for fresh ways to motivate your employees this upcoming year, try these four tips.

1. Lead by example.

In a survey conducted by Accounting Principals and Ajilon, 32.5 percent of employees said the reason they left their job was due to a bad boss or manager. You don’t want to be part of that statistic.

If you want good workers, you have to show them that respectable principles are what you – and your company – are all about. It’s not enough to tell them you expect X, Y and Z when you don’t implement those core values to yourself. It’s hypocrisy at its finest and far too many bosses don’t count themselves in this equation.

Predictive Index found that roughly 80 percent of workers agree that a quality boss possesses a good work ethic, is honest and has confidence.

If you want your business staffed by hard workers, be a hard worker. If you want honest feedback, be honest with yourself when you get constructive criticism. Be open and upfront with your employees. If you want respect and fairness, show that to each of your workers. Don’t single anyone out or pick favorites. People will pick up on it instantly, and it will lead to a bitter, negative environment.

2. Transform the workspace culture.

A Randstad survey found that 58 percent of professionals would leave their job because of negative office politics, as this affects many aspects of work culture: the amount of work put in, what kind of attitude employees have and employee retention.

It’s your job as an employer to make your employees feel safe, cared about and welcome while they’re at the company. Motivate the people who work for you by telling them they are heard, that they have autonomy and that they’re a valuable asset to the business moving forward. Express gratitude for their hard work and let them know you don’t take them for granted.

3. Respect their capabilities.

If you want productive, intelligent, hard-working employees, treat them like adults.

There are far too many employers who micromanage their employees to death, looking over their shoulder, not believing in them to complete tasks within deadlines and talking down their abilities. Comparably conducted a study that found that 39 percent of employees said being a micromanager was the worst trait a boss could have. If you’re trying to drive your professional team away, this is the fastest way to do it.

Don’t parent your employee – partner up with them. Treat them as equals because that’s exactly what they are. You may be their boss, but the work they do for your company is invaluable and you can’t afford to lose them.

Think of different ways you can show them you’ve put your full trust into their capabilities. To start, ask them directly for suggestions on how they could feel more respected and appreciated. Figure out ways to compromise with their wants and needs and meet them in the middle.

More companies are allowing their workers to work from home, allowing for a better-balanced work/home lifestyle. A study by FlexJobs found that more than 76 percent of workers would be more loyal to their companies if they offered flexible work options.

4. Give them a voice.

Your work environment should be one filled with trust, honesty and transparency.

If your employees feel that what they say or think doesn’t matter, they’re going to believe their work doesn’t either. This is the easiest way to lose faithful people who add value to your company.

Only 12 percent of businesses are happy with current levels of employee engagement according to a study by CBI. This could be for a multitude of reasons.

In order to combat this, make sure each person’s voice is heard. Leave out a suggestion box for tips or have a separate meeting time where you discuss issues with the business. What’s going great with the business? What could be done better and how? Let everyone pitch in on what they think could be done for better results.

Get to know your employees one on one as well. There’s never a one-size-fits-all situation anywhere you go. By asking your employees questions about themselves, you can figure out what aspects of the job they care most about and what areas they’re more likely to excel in.

Getting to know the people who work for you will build a relationship of empathy, trust, security and understanding. Lead by example by treating them how you’d like to be treated, and trust that they’re adults who can do their job efficiently and successfully.

Anything can be resolved with a little patience and communication, and your employees will stay motivated and happy because of it.