5 ways to
motivate
employees
without
spending
(too) much

One of the best ways to show employees that you recognize the value of their contribution to your business is to get them more involved in your operations. By giving your employees more responsibilities and more freedom, you unequivocally show them that you trust them.

However, this approach could turn against you if you give the wrong responsibilities to the wrong people. Take the time to learn about your employees' ambitions and make sure that their work is consistent with those ambitions.

As employees are given added responsibilities, it may become appropriate to grant them certain titles. That doesn't mean naming everyone manager just to please them, but rather recognizing through an official act the concrete contribution of a deserving employee.

Take advantage of team meetings to praise a member of your team who has stood out, without fawning over them too much. This type of recognition takes just a few seconds of your time and never fails to leave a lasting impression.

In the same vein, gather comments from customers and display the ones that are particularly positive or highlight a specific employee. By placing these comments well within everyone's view, you pay homage to people particularly devoted to the success of your business.

Allow your employees to telework if your operations lend themselves to it. If they have good self-discipline, they may even be more productive at home than at work. To them, it will be a major vote of confidence and they will certainly appreciate the flexibility that telework will provide them.

If teleworking is not an option, consider offering a more flexible work schedule. Everyone likes to have a certain amount of control over how they use their time and being able to control one's schedule, at least partially, is a huge benefit. This kind of action is especially beneficial for people who have to balance work and family.

Show that your team's accomplishments are important to you. Highlight successes by inviting your team to a restaurant, celebrate the completion of a major project by organizing a wine and cheese party, etc.

Also, by creating reasons to get together, you encourage your employees to see themselves as a cohesive group, a team.

Working in a learning environment can be extremely motivating. If your employees manage to develop their professional skills by working for you, they will certainly be happier than if they feel they are stagnating.

To achieve this, favour the transfer of knowledge within your company. By asking a seasoned employee to conduct training sessions to benefit those who are starting out, you kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand, you praise the employee trainer by implicitly recognizing their skills. At the same time, you make your business a place that favours professional growth, without having to break your piggy bank.