Electricians are reigniting their spark, plumbers are feeling pally and builders are making buddies, with on-site banter the main motivator for one third of those working in the construction industry.

Delving into the industry’s motivation levels, a nationwide study found that 45% of construction workers think feeling valued in a job is a top priority, with 37% saying recognition actively motivates them to work harder.

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Over 70% feel it’s important to be passionate about a job, and although one in ten find their work a little dull from time to time, an overwhelming 68% of professional tradesmen regard themselves as hard workers.

To support the construction industry’s enthusiasm, Argos for Business has launched an Employee Motivation Day on Wednesday 21 January 2015, which has been created to inspire passion and appreciation across the UK’s workforce.

Argos for Business is encouraging bosses to start the year by recognising and motivating employees.

As one in three employees are predicted to weigh up their career options this January, the cost to individual businesses could be too high to pay.

Accounting for all elements of the recruitment process, including advertising costs and recruiter fees, through to loss of productivity and training for new recruits, each employee lost could cost up to £30,614 to replace. Businesses choosing not to implement a year-round motivational strategy should consider this substantial sum and whether they can afford to lose some of their most valued assets - experienced employees.

As the research shows, motivational strategies need not cost the Earth, or indeed anything at all. Simply feeling valued, or thanked for a job well done resonates with British workers, leaving a positive and affirming effect on employees and the businesses they work for.

“Simple and cost-effective everyday actions, such as saying thank you with low cost gift vouchers, a duvet day or allowing your team to leave 30 minutes early on a Friday, can go a long way in ensuring bosses hold onto valuable skilled team members,” explained Danny Clenaghan, managing director at Argos for Business.

“To help drive motivation, we are therefore dedicating a whole day to giving and receiving recognition and motivational compliments. We hope that employees, managers and business owners all get involved and become part of our Employee Motivation Day campaign.”

Motivational speaker Adrian Webster, who’s backing the campaign, gives his tops tips to help you feel motivated year-round:

1. Set yourself lots of small goals to stay focused and to give you a sense of progress – vital for long term happiness and job satisfaction

1. Before starting a day’s work, just “step back” for two minutes. Take a few deep breaths, relax, unclutter your mind and picture your day ahead, and what you’re hoping to achieve. You’ll be far more productive

1. Stay focused on the positives. Every organisation has it faults but unless you can change them, don't waste your time dwelling on them

1. Have some fun! Having fun helps people relax, bonds teams together, releases endorphins and is the bedrock of creativity

1. Never overlook the importance of the little things, the TNTs - Tiny Noticeable Things. They may be tiny but they create the biggest, longest lasting images

Employees and employers can get involved in National Employee Motivation Day by downloading the motivation resource pack from www.employeemotivationday.co.uk, or by visiting the dedicated Facebook and Twitter pages, using the hashtags #EmployeeMotivationDay #EMD and #NatMotivateDay.