Motivate Employees to Take Pride in the Business

Many business owners wish their employees would take as
much pride in the business as they do. How can an
employer cultivate a sense of ownership in employees?
For starters, recognition and praise are powerful
incentives. Here are a few ideas for cementing employee
loyalty to the business.

by Vicki Gerson NFIB.com

* Create a recognition program.

The options for this type of program are many. For
example, you can reward exceptional customer service,
exceeding sales goals, best new ideas or cost-savings
efforts.

* Post praising letters.

When customers send letters of thanks for particular
employees, display the letters in the break room or
another common area. If you hold regular meetings, you
may also want to read the letters and thank the
employees yourself.

* Write personal notes to employees.

Whenever possible write a short note to an employee
about something he or she did that benefited the
business. While dashing off an email to say thank you
is fine, employees will appreciate the extra effort
that a written note entails.

* Write an annual letter to all employees.

At the end of each year, write a letter to all
employees highlighting the successes that occurred in
the business that year. Try to include everyone or
every department in the letter to illustrate their role
in the company’s success.

* Celebrate employee and business achievements.

It doesn’t cost much to celebrate. Bring in doughnuts,
bagels or pick up lunch one day. Take the time to
recognize achievements such as exceeding goals or
finishing a difficult job.

* Make time for fun.

Morale always improves when employees get a chance to
meet outside of work and relax together. Have a picnic
lunch, a bowling party or any other activity you know
your employees will enjoy.

* Recognize employees who do extra work.

When employees work on holidays, spend a weekend at a
trade show or come in on their day off, thank them and
reward them in some way.

* Try to promote from within.

Don’t overlook your current employees when you have a
job opening. Pay attention to any employees who have
been taking business courses, getting an MBA or
learning a new skill. It is always better for company
morale when employees see advancement opportunities.

http://www.nfib.com/cgi-bin/NFIB.dll/jsp/toolsAndTips/toolsAndTipsDisplay.jsp?contentId=3803713