Writing Paper: Part 2
Task type: A report

Question
You work in the sales department of a large company. You have been asked to reply to this memo from the company's Personnel Officer:

Write the report to the Personnel Officer. (about 250 words)

Priscila Ciancaglini, Brazil

Self-study CAE student

Report to The Personnel Officer

From : Priscila Ciancaglini - Sales Department Manager

Subject: Staff Motivation

Date: April 15, 2002{1}

Staff motivation has always been a much discussed subject, which has resulted in many articles and books, published by experienced and Famous specialists in the Human Resource field.

Since I do not fit in this category, I can only bring to this report my own experiences with my staff of salesmen .{2}I'll start by discussing the suggestions you have send me in your MEMO:

1. A party for the whole department.

I don't think it would be wise to give a party now that the company is facing economical {3} problems and that the bonus {***} {4} to our sales people has been cut to {5} half due to that. What would we be celebrating? One of the reasons that our worker's motivation is down is that cut.

2. A weekend away for the most successful sales team.

That suggestion sounds nice: it would cause impact rewarding team work {6}

and showing the whole company that working together is the way to overcome critical moments. That we are all in the same boat, and we should row together to keep moving forward. {7}

3. A monetary prize for the best salesperson.

In my opinion, money is something that is rapidly spent and the source will soon be forgotten. Motivation should be something that endures time{8} and should be nurtured by the company throughout the year ! {9}

Besides that, it does not incentive {10} team work, which is what is really important for the companies {11} future, in order to achieve sustained growth.

I would keep your second suggestion and add a few things, like having a ceremony in the company, with all employees present, with appraisal given by the highest administration levels{12} to motivate the rest of our personnel to try the same!

I would also include their family in the weekend, to show our winners that we understand that nothing can be done without the support of our family, and feel how important it is to have{13} a "Home Team" as well.

I sure hope I have added with my opinions and if you would like to discuss a little further about the ideas, feel free to call me or stop by my office.{14}

Priscila