Motivating Your Staff - Without Money

If money doesn't always equal happiness in life, then this can sometimes apply at work, too. Throwing more money at a disgruntled employee won't necessarily make them feel more valued, respected or motivated to do better in the workplace. If you're short on budget but big on these ideas, you can motivate your staff easily, confidently - and without it costing a penny.

Rewards and recognition

It's happened to us all - feeling angry and demotivated when credit doesn't come where it's due. You don't have to give out a bonus if someone does well, you can give them an award instead - certificates or 'employee of the month' awards cost little, but help a lot in presenting someone with recognition from you and their colleagues that they deserve.

Coaching, Training and Development

Many people suffer from a lack of motivation if they feel that their job really isn't giving them anything except the regular pay every month. To give someone the opportunity to take on a more responsible role or to train up in a new skill can motivate them far more than a pay rise - after all, more training will pay them back in the future with either promotion or a better job in the company. You can't put a price on talent, so nurture it while you can.

Emphasising you care about their career

Nothing is more demotivating than a boss who doesn't seem to care what your contribution to the company is, nor do they care about your future - they would prefer you to be in the same, boring role as long as you get the job done. This is a killer to self-esteem and makes people want to leave in their droves.

You'll probably have to do appraisals as part of your work as a manager - why not help your staff to plot a career path at the same time? After all, you're in a more senior position and can speak from experience about how you get that next role. Advice and encouragement costs nothing, and can help greatly towards motivating someone to work well in their current role.

Providing a good working environment

We spend so many hours of our lives at work, it can be dreary and stressful if it's also in an unpleasant environment. Sometimes this can't be helped - some people who work outdoors can't help the weather, for example, but for most office-based roles, something can be done. If someone considers their employer to have 'good working conditions', then they are more likely to feel motivated in their job.

Team spirit and having a social and work life

If you feel isolated and have a lack of social contacts at work, it doesn't help you get through the day to day grind. Motivation can come with feeling good about yourself, and this can be helped in the work environment with a bit of team building and good rapport.

Hardly any of these suggestions cost money - that's not always what motivation is about. Keep a happy office, and you'll keep motivated staff. It doesn't have to be difficult, and most efforts work both ways - you'll be a much happier manager, too!