It is a never ending challenge for business owners to find ways to reward (and market) their staff members without breaking the bank. But as they say, the best things in life are free, or at least some of them are. So here are a few freebies I used at my day spa that you can try with your employees when cash is low and morale needs to be high.

Warm-fuzzy cards - We made up some forms for our staff to be able to compliment each other on doing a job well. Then when people were caught doing something great, their co-workers could let them know by leaving the slip for them in a pocket, at their work station or by posting it on the break-room message board. This promoted good-will among the staff and encouraged them to have a positive attitude toward each other.

 

Inspiring quotes - As a means to inspire people to do their best, I would put a quote about success, teamwork, perseverance, etc in everyone's paychecks from time to time. It would give them something to think about and often encourage them to make a trip down to my office to let me know how it impacted them.

 

Spending time with the staff and saying thanks - This may seem obvious, but I have found that so many business owners get caught up in their own tasks and worries that they forget to do the most simple things to engage and reward their staff such as greeting them when they pass in the halls or stopping to take a moment to see how things are going. Most importantly, they forget to thank the employees for being there and doing a great job, for making a difference in the company. Without their staff, most likely business operations would come to a halt and the customers would go somewhere else. Unfortunately, many business owners adopt the mindset that they (the owner) are the business and that nothing would work without them. This is often far from the case, and the people who are making your business run really appreciate knowing that you appreciate and acknowledge their efforts. It costs nothing but a moment of your time and some sincerity to provide this one "perk" and reward.

I'd really love to hear your ideas and thoughts as well, so please send them to me at Felicia@spalutions.com or post a comment right here on the blog for other readers to see. And remember, a happy staff is the best advertising money can buy