How to Motivate Employees on a Budget

Happy employees make for better profits. Here are my tips for helping to get the team engaged and become advocates for your business.

FAMILY MATTERS: Organise family days and functions for example a week-end family picnic day. This also helps develop a great reputation as an employer of choice by demonstrating that your organization appreciates and values family.

FLEXIBILITY: Children get sick, people get sick. Develop a good relationship with a temporary recruitment agency to help you fill a gap for a sick employee at short notice. Be flexible with working hours, especially if a staff member is studying, has children or other personal issues.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT WORK: Take time off to hold monthly morning teas (everyone brings a plate), or a regular Friday Night drinks

HEALTHY LIVING: A fruit basket, Hiring a personal trainer for lunchtime fitness or any other activity that encourages a healthy lifestyle helps towards healthy employees and less time off sick.

WORKING FROM HOME: With today’s technology it is easy for many people to work from home. It helps break up the week and can be far more productive as there are fewer interruptions. I often decide to stay at home to work rather than go to the office as I get a lot more done.

EMBRACE EMPLOYEE CREATIVITY: Encourage regular feedback and suggestions from your employees. It may surprise you how the receptionist might just have an idea on how to save money or increase revenue. Never underestimate the creativity and value of everyone.

CONTESTS: By holding a monthly contest you can boost morale and encourage positive competition. For example, hold a contest for innovative ideas to reduce waste.

MONTHLY AWARDS: Hold monthly awards for your employees and have certificates printed. This can be in the way of fun, or for hard work, creativity …the list is endless.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:Involve staff in a worthwhile environmental and charitable causes. Helping others can be a great way to feel a sense of achievement.

GRATITUDE: People like to be recognised for their achievements, initiatives and long hours worked. Having the CEO send a personal email or visit an employee to say thanks will pay off big time.

LEADERSHIP: Being a good leader requires excellent interpersonal skills. Managers should lead by example and never be afraid to be ‘hands on’ in an emergency. The best story I ever heard was about a General Manager of a Ports company getting in to cook the barbeque for his employees. When asked why the “The General Manager was cooking for the employees” his reply was “I am an employee just like you”.

WORKPLACE: Aim at creating a visually appealing and comfortable workplace. Ensure also the temperature isn’t too hot or cold, this is a tricky one but very important as body temperatures vary. If your budget doesn’t extend to renovating maybe just adding an espresso coffee machine or some plants could be a small way to improve the office space.

NEWSLETTER:Produce an electronic newsletter with company updates, staff achievements, contests, contributions from employees, photos etc

FUN: Aim for a happy fun culture, laughter is contagious!

Debbie Carr is Director of Recruitment with True Colours Recruitment, a blended coaching and Recruitment company with a focus on employee engagement and retention