No raises? 5 ways to motivate employees
April 30, 2009 by Sam NarisiPosted in: In This Week's E-Newsletter, Latest News & Views, Retention, Salary negotiations
Recent surveys say raises are down this year, with wages staying flat or even decreasing in many companies. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to motivate employees.
Here are a few of the best no- or low-cost motivators, according to the PBP Executive Report Motivating Without Money: 91 Inexpensive Ways to Keep Employees Happy:
- Put them in pictures – Using photos of employees for advertising materials, Web sites and other company publications is a great way to show appreciation by making workers the face of the organization.
- Give shiny cars – Many people are putting off new car purchases for a while, but your company can help them get a car that looks new. You can buy an express car wash for about $5; so for $100 you can give 20 employees a clean car.
- Write a note – Even when you can’t add money to employees’ paychecks, managers can use them to add motivation. Every now and then, managers can add a handwritten note to someone’s pay stub, offering thanks for doing something positive.
- Let them brag – Put a large bulletin board in a public place where employees can post certificates, newspaper clippings and other items about themselves or loved ones.
- Thank the whole family – When an employee puts in extra effort, a manager can send a care package to his or her home, containing things the family can do together.
What are some of the low-cost motivators your company is using these days? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Tags: Economy, motivation, raises
May 1st, 2009 at 8:41 am
1. Nice idea. Except for when you have to fire them or they jump over to a competitor. Then you have to spend money to order new materials or risk looking foolish.
2. Unless the car wash place damages their car, in which case you may end up spending a lot more. But it may not happen.
3. Great advice.
4. Along with inviting people to join a union. Non-solicitation goes out the window.
5. Sure. And then they can get hurt and sue. But it may not happen.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:29 am
One of our departments designed coupons giving them 2 hours off with pay. When the manager wants to thank an employee for a job well done, they pass out these coupons for time off that is not counted against their vacation balance. When employees want to use them, they just turn them in to their manager. We prefer some advance notice, but managers try to be as flexible as they can. It’s considered time worked on their timesheet.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I would be very careful about the bulletin board idea. If anyone is allowed to include things like a yard sale or a daughter selling girl scout cookies, the board must be allowed to include Pro-Union postings or it’s considered an unfair labor practice. I just attended a seminar and the labor attorneys advised against any bulletin boards, especially if EFCA passes. How’s that for scary.
July 20th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
you need written consent to publish employees photos for advertising purposes. Its called “Privacy Act”, you may only use them in-office purposes for illustration within the company or newsletter for employees. Never use an employee for a magazine ad unless they sign a release and consent statement of such use. You will get sue if you don’t by violating their privacy privileges.