Ways To Motivate Staff Without Money

Whether you call it motivation or employee engagement, everyone in business wants the same thing, a happy workforce that show up and are willing to give you their 100%. But with incentive budgets diminishing all around us and the word “raise” becoming practically obsolete, what can you do to motivate your staff?

Here Are a Few Ideas

Flex Those Hours

If there’s one free reward that rises above the rest, it’s flexible work schedules. It’s a well known fact that flex time offers the most gain with the least pain.

How About a Free Pass?

Try giving out a certain number of free days off to team members to use as they see fit. They won’t have to pretend to be sick, they can go to the beach, read a book, and even take time to attend the kid’s sports day. Besides being a great benefit, it bestows a sense of trust.

Create a Love Board

Ask co-workers to write something they really like or admire about another team member on a scrap of paper, then put it up along with his or her photograph.

Diary of Significant Events

Keep a diary of special events and celebrate everyone’s birthdays, weddings and other special days.

Applaud Their Efforts — Literally

If someone has done something really creditable, have your entire office give them a standing ovation at the next meeting.

Create a Cool Breakout Area

Set aside a comfortable, quiet space or unused office where employees can meditate, chill out, or otherwise re-gather themselves.

Remember The Secret Words

The two most underused words that get the highest return on investment and time are the simple words ‘thank you’. So when you share your appreciation, be specific about what you really liked, so they know you are taking notice. Sometimes you could say thank you for no particular reason, other than their contribution to the company’s success.

Send Handwritten Notes

This is a great confidence booster, company directors could write personal letters praising members of staff who deserve recognition.

Listen

This is probably the easiest thing you can do, but can also be difficult. Setting out a little time now and again listening to anything from concerns to ideas will not only make the team happier, it will also provide you with valuable insight on how things are progressing from the people who help keep the wheels turning.

Have Contests

Maybe you can’t pay a big bonus but you can still create little competitions and have some fun along the way. Who can submit the best Spag Bol recipe, try a photo or video contest, even physical trials at the gym. The winners can receive an agreed reward.

Embrace Social Media

Instead of blocking sites and pretending the workforce isn’t on Twitter or Facebook, develop a social media policy and encourage people to connect with not only others on your own team, but people in other divisions and companies you deal with. You can be sure they’re probably connecting already, so why not encourage it within the company.

Create a Company Buzz

Work should be a fun place to be. No matter how dull the tasks that have to be done, a business that wants to keep its staff motivated should try to make the work enjoyable in whatever way possible. It is about having a positive attitude and demonstrating to the team that they are appreciated, and their roles are valued.

Author: Brin