| 1. Praise | | | | doesn't have to cut into work time, either: arrange to |
| Often overlooked, praise is the simplest and most | | | | get together one evening after work. |
| effective way to reward individual acts. Praise should | | | | 4. Service |
| be specific. Explain what the employee has specifically | | | | Liaise with local businesses to see whether you can |
| done well and why it matters to the company - not | | | | swap your services for credit. If you're an accounting |
| just "well done", but "You did a good job managing | | | | business, can you swap a few hours with a style |
| Mr. Jackson's complaint this morning. You've just | | | | adviser? For the time it takes you to do her taxes, |
| created another satisfied customer who will bring | | | | she gives you a set of one-hour sessions. Your |
| more business to us." Praise is more effective when | | | | employees would probably never think of "getting |
| it's delivered in public, so don't shy from praising your | | | | their colors done", but they'll jump at the chance to |
| employees in front of others. Remember, though, | | | | have a style consultation for free. Or, if fashion isn't |
| that individuals aren't always the right target for | | | | their thing, why not barter services with a local |
| praise. If a group has done well, praise the team, not | | | | physiotherapist so you can hand out massage |
| just the leader. | | | | vouchers to staff? |
| 2. Time | | | | 5. Status |
| Everyone wishes they had an extra hour or two in | | | | There's nothing more galling to an administrative |
| the day. So why not give a top employee a | | | | employee than feeling like a cog in a big machine. |
| well-deserved break? "Anna, it's great that you've | | | | Next time you make a supplier visit, take your |
| finished the library job a week early. I'd like you to go | | | | secretary along. He or she will probably enjoy |
| home early this afternoon." If you're worried about | | | | meeting the people who only appear in email headers |
| productivity, schedule the time off for Monday | | | | and on the telephone. You'll benefit, too: once she |
| morning or Friday afternoon. | | | | can put faces to names, you'll find that |
| 3. Events | | | | communications become warmer and more congenial. |
| People relax when they're out of the office. Getting | | | | In sum, you don't have to spend money to show |
| your employees together for an activity off-site can | | | | your appreciation for your staff. Recognition, |
| be a fun way for them to kick back and enjoy the | | | | unexpected breaks, get-togethers, unusual services |
| fruits of their labor. It doesn't have to be bowling: | | | | and signs of esteem go a lot further toward |
| you can go indoor-climbing, play theatersports, or | | | | applauding your employees than a little extra cash. |
| even learn to make sushi together. If you don't think | | | | And they'll thank you for it, too - not just with |
| employees will stump up the cash to go, why not do | | | | words, but with increased motivation and more |
| something free, like a pot-luck picnic in the park? It | | | | effective work. |