10 Ways to Inspire Employees on a Budget

Resources seem tight everywhere, especially time and money. Yet we still need to engage our employees so they feel inspired, motivated, and committed. People are the most important resource in any organization, and yours need attention.

How do you inspire your people when you are short on time and money?

1. Smile.

Your attitude, demeanor, and positive expressions go a long way in uplifting others.

2. Give a simple, sincere thank you.

Thanking someone authentically has them feel seen, heard, and appreciated. An in-person or handwritten acknowledgment goes even farther than a text or quick email. Be specific about what you appreciate.

3. Share acknowledgement with management.

Send a well-written, professional email or letter to the employee, with copies sent to your immediate supervisor and to the employee's supervisor. This makes the praise visible, which motivates people to keep up the momentum.

4. Recognize publicly.

Acknowledge employees at staff meetings, in company newsletters, on company social media pages and in other mediums to share with others the example of a job well done.

5. Share customer praise.

Share customer compliments with employees who delivered the service. Share in writing whenever possible.

6. Take suggestions.

Feeling heard is motivating for all people. Ask for, listen to, and implement employee suggestions to elevate their commitment and drive.

7. Create a team game.

Start an internal game where people who do good work receive a shared trophy that then gets passed on to the next employee who earns it. Give people stickers or certificates when they are caught doing good work. Have fun acknowledgment become part of your staff meetings.

8. Provide discounts.

Arranging employee discounts from your vendors or customers, giving them a perk or bonus that doesn’t cost your company a dime.

9. Include high performers.

Invite top performing employees to serve on exciting new projects, be part of focus groups, or come to company events.

10. Ask.

Finally, share the situation with your employees and ask them, both as a group and individually, what they appreciate, what motivates them, and how they’d like to be recognized. Creating this type of dialogue, relationship, and partnership with employees is the most motivating of all.