Tip# 403: 20 Ways to Motivate Someone Without Spending Money (Part 2 of 2)

In our last e-tip, we offered 10 ways to motivate your employees without spending a lot of money. In this week's e-tip, we are outlining 10 more ways to motivate your employees without raising their pay.

Motivate Your Employees Without Raising Their Pay (part 2 of 2):

11. Recognition By An Executive - Even better than recognition by a manager, is recognition by an executive at the company. This works especially well in bigger companies. However, use this secret weapon sparingly because the value will be lessened if this becomes commonplace.

12. Dress-Down Days - For those required to "dress up" in business clothing every day, a casual day brings a welcomed change. You can use individual, or team dress-down days, as a reward for winning a contest, or for specific accomplishments.

13. Paid Time-Off - People enjoy time off and will compete for leaving a half-hour early just as hard as they will compete for a cash award. Reward time off for goals reached by individuals, teams or the entire staff.

14. Team Gatherings - Schedule a few off-site events to increase team spirit, which contributes to a positive work environment. You may want to get the team together for a softball game (against other companies or among employees, depending on staff size,) miniature golf, or just lunch at a favorite restaurant.

15. Delegate More Responsibility - Some employees thrive with additional responsibility.  As a manager, or business owner, it is your job to identify who deserves and can handle additional responsibility. Match responsibilities to employees' strengths and desires whenever possible and you will be empowering your employees.

16. Encourage Cost-Savings Comments - Give your staff a platform to contribute their ideas on how the company could save money. Post all business appropriate comments and the estimated cost savings.  Be sure to address each comment, and offer praise to the person or group who provided it. You may want to do this in the form of a       hand-written note or an e-mail.

17. Create A Front Row Parking Spot - Reserve the best parking spot for an "employee of the month" or to reward someone who did something impressive.

18. Pizza Days - Every now and then treat your team members to pizza or other favorite lunch. This will motivate people by breaking up the everyday routine and allows you to show your appreciation for your employees.

19. Provide Access To Outside Workshops - Outside workshops can be a stimulating break. Because outside workshops are not always cost-efficient for the entire staff, use outside workshops as a reward for a select group of people.

20. Fun Things To Do - Go to your local dollar store and buy some inexpensive items you can give out to motivate your people. Here are some ideas:

•    Plastic whale for someone who has done a "whale" of a job
• Miniature soldier for someone in the field who did an excellent job
•  Clip-on stars for star-studded presentation or performance
•  An old record that has been customized for someone who set a new record
•  A case of water for someone who was able to handle a "hot" customer
•  A figure of Gumby for someone who is flexible and willing to do anything for the team
•  A pack of "Eveready" batteries for the person who keeps going, and going, and going
•  A large container of candy for someone who just landed a sweet deal

Executive Summary: As you can see, there are many free and low-cost ways to motivate your employees.  Decide what works best for your company culture. Once this is done, be consistent with your reward and recognition program. Consistent recognition will contribute to a positive work environment and increased productivity much more than random praise.

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