When economic conditions turn tough or when the heavy work load seems never-ending, managers tend to forget the "basics" of people management. It's the small things everyday that can bring down employee morale and it's the small things everyday that can raise it as well.

A holiday party or picnic, once or twice a year, probably won't do it. Rather, it's a manager's sincere recognition that employees are assets to be valued, not tools to be used up and discarded. Here are seven quick, inexpensive employee morale boosters to keep workers motivated during tough times.

1. Say thank you.
Sow appreciation for good work by baking a batch of cookies for the team or surprising them with pizza,, or sending them flowers, chocolate or a bunch of balloons. It shows your people that you care and appreciate them.

2. Have informal coffee talks.
Pull an entire work team together to openly talk about what's going on in the world and how it affects business. Encourage employee questions. This decreases negative rumors and also gets employees focused on work rather than on griping.

3. Surprise with spontaneous treats.
Rent an ice cream cart or a popcorn machine. Take coffee and donuts to each person's work station. How about a package of Lifesavers™ during a stressful time?

4. Offer stress relief activities.
Hire a local massage school to offer free 10-minute chair massages once a week. A distinctive and fun way for a company to convey that it recognizes the rough times and it cares about their staff's well-being.

5. Create future teams.
The goal of these employee teams is to investigate new business development options that are either focused (how to move inventory) or wide open (identify potential customers in new areas). By encouraging workers to focus on the future, motivation levels rise quickly.

6. Support community involvement.
Provide company time for teams of employees to serve dinner at a local shelter, help build houses, adopt a family for a holiday, or collect money for a common charity. It not only serves as a motivator in that people feel they are doing something with a purpose but also creates a positive public image.

7. Make people feel valuable.
Talk with key employees about the types of projects, training, or experiences they would like to have. Times may be tough for people to get jobs, but your best people are also the most marketable. One of the main reasons people leave or are unmotivated is because they don't feel valued by their manager or company.

Sometimes, simple works best. These seven employee morale boosters are inexpensive ways to keep workers motivated during tough times.

Do you want highly motivated people? See the Motivating: What Really Works handbook.  It's packed with solid, roll-up your sleeves tips to motivate everyone and prevent "that's not my job" syndrome.

Sign up for Make Waves! ... our free e-newsletter on how to lead better, faster and smarter. Contact us to explore how Leaders at All Levels can Partner with You for Bold Change.

---

Copyright 2006-2009, Marcia Zidle. Will you have a bright future? you ready to make your organization stand out in the crowd in competing for customers, clients, funders or community awareness? Contact us and let us show you how to make that happen.

Would you like to reprint this article in your trade journal, newspaper, website, company newsletter or e-zine? See Note to Editors.