It Doesn't Take Money To Motivate

Incentives are one of the best ways for employers to motivate their employees. No matter what industry they work in, employees enjoy getting some kind of recognition. This shows them they are valuable and appreciated.

Not every company can afford big raises, especially today where smaller companies are making their mark. Some employers are candid and open when they tell their employees that there is little or no opportunity for advancement within the company and their employees start to feel as if they are in a dead end job. Still, companies need employees even if there is little room for advancement, so that's where incentives and the opportunity to receive them can make all the difference. Even something like an extra break or a day off during a light time of the company's season can make all the difference to an employee.

There are always the Employee of the Month awards or office incentives that employers use to give their employees a boost, but they are often not valuable to a company. Singling out a particular employee as being the "best'' that month can bring about jealousy and animosity that creates a bad work situation. Sometimes the person awarded with those titles are ostracized by jealous co-workers and it can make for an uncomfortable situation.

Contests are not for everyone and sometimes bring about adversity and jealousy among fellow employees. Employee of the Month awards cause jealousy and tension in the office, so offering everyone in the office a chance for something tossed their way works very well rather than a photo on a plaque that no one looks at. Even something as simple as a cubicle with a nice view or a coveted parking spot can make all the difference.

There are a few other ways to encourage employees to work hard. Managers who have established their place within a company will often notice personal preferences among the employees, using these preferences to reward the employee in a more personal way. Coveted parking spots at the front of the lot can be reserved for the employee of the month. Offices with a window, or a cubicle with a window, is a nice incentive to meet a deadline or a quota.

Keeping the employees happy and satisfied with their jobs should be a main priority for business owners. From the entry level jobs to the second in command, people who are happy with the work they are doing, feel valued, and are recognized for their hard work, will do a better job. They will want to come to work, want to accomplish established goals and want to gain the respect of their supervisors.