7 Ways to Stimulate Your Employees in a Poor Economy

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You can not turn on today's news without hearing about the large numbers of employees losing their jobs on a daily basis. More and more companies are having to make tremendous cuts in staffing in order to stay afloat. So what about the employees who are left behind, what can you do to stimulate their full potential?

I have put together a few of ideas that are easy to do and virtually at no cost to your company.

1. A Pat On The Back

A pat on the back can go a long way. This is a great way to reward employees who do an outstanding job. You can then place a notice of the award in their employee file. Studies have shown that recognition is the most significant reward for employees and will prolong their loyalty to a company.

2. Dedicate A Piece Of The Office

Your employees are a vital component to the success of your company so why not remind them everyday. Dedicating pieces of office equipment with a small name plaque will make them feel valued and appreciated. When employees see their name displayed they become proud and thankful which they then share with their colleagues, friends and families for years to come.

3. Adopt An Official Office Mascot

Adopt a large stuffed animal mascot. Have a contest to select a name. Then each week the mascot is taken to a different department with a note from the previous team. This creates teamwork among different departments and also increases employee morale.

4. Go On A Field Trip

Take a short walk as a group outside of the office. This is a great way for employees to interact and get a bid of fresh air. You can even take different groups around the office to say hello to other departments. With more employees keeping to themselves at work, this is a great way to build employee interaction and create conversation.

5. Special Events

Share special employee moments with the team. This could be a new child in the family, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It is always nice to show others that there is a lot that goes on outside of the work place. Make sure the employee is comfortable with everyone knowing before making any announcements.

6. A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words

Ask your employees to bring in their baby pictures and place them on a collage in the break room. Have a contest in which employees try to identify them by placing their entries in a small box. The winner (s) can get a $5.00 gift card. This is a great way to demonstrate to employees your interest in their lives outside of work.

7. Plant A Tree

With more and more companies making an effort to go green why not join the cause. You can have each department plant a tree together which they can then watch grow everyday. This is a great way to demonstrate camaraderie and team spirit.

As you use these simple ideas you will notice that your employees will come to appreciate and value them. In these hard times a little can go a long way in helping keep your employees motivated and happy.

About the author: Oscar Urrutia is an Innovative Eco-Friendly Event Organizer with GEC Events. He writes about employee motivational ideas along with what is new in the event industry. Visit his blog at http://gecevents.blogspot.com/. For more information on GEC Events call 800-769-5137 | or visit http://www.GECEvents.com