Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Strategies to Improve Employee Motivation

A behavior health organization in the U.S. state of Florida that provided residential care for children affected by abuse and neglect lacked a standardized positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) system to improve staff motivation. This gap, compounded by challenging youth behaviors, had led to increased staff callouts and decreased motivation, affecting daily operations. The aim of this study was to provide practical recommendations for implementing effective PBIS strategies to foster a positive workplace and improve staff motivation among residential program employees in a southern U.S. organization. The Baldrige Excellence Framework was used to explore the interplay between leadership support, youth behaviors, and staff motivation. Credibility and reliability were enhanced through triangulation. Primary data were gathered by conducting semistructured interviews with staff, managers, and leaders; in addition, secondary data from sources like literature reviews and internal organizational documents were analyzed. NVivo 14 qualitative analysis software was used for data analysis. The identified themes stress the crucial role of leadership support, effective communication, consistent recognition of achievements, and clear expectations in building a positive organizational culture and boosting staff motivation. Based on the findings, recommendations include strengthening leadership support and engagement, developing motivation and employee retention strategies, incorporating PBIS, and formulating detailed implementation plans. The study highlights how behavioral health organization leaders may be able to boost employee motivation and foster positive social change by focusing on their well-being and growth through a structured multitiered approach.