Motivating Employees - Without Money!

What is the prime motivator of employee satisfaction?

According to a recent Council of Communication Management survey, the best way to motivate your employees is to recognize a job well done.

While money is important, employees are more motivated by thoughtful, personal, and creative recognition that comes directly from you, the boss. Numerous studies show that motivation is stronger if your recognition creates a story the employee can tell to family, friends and associates for years to come.

A few suggestions:

On the job:

• Make a personal, handmade thank-you card
• Bring in homemade cookies or a cake
• Credit your employees openly for their great ideas
• Celebrate your employees' anniversaries with the company

Outside work:

• Take your employee for a round of golf
• Grant an afternoon or day off
• Have lunch or coffee with your employee
• Play laser-tag one afternoon
• Treat your employee to a professional massage

After a little detective work, you could surprise your employee by giving them time off to celebrate their wedding anniversary or a child's birthday, attend a school concert, spend time with visiting relatives, or to enjoy some other family occasion.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter, author and management consultant, said, "Compensation is a right; recognition is a gift." Your employees will value that recognition.