Keeping employees happy without breaking the bank

Well-deserved raises

While handing out raises to each and ever employee is not the best way for an employer to not break the bank, giving raises to those employees that deserve them, is a great way to keep employees happy. When an employee has been working really hard or he or she has worked for the company for awhile they deserve a raise. A raise is a terrific way for an employee's hard work to be recognized and it is a great way to help them stay happy and motivated. When other employees see employees getting raises they will be encouraged to work harder so that they too can receive a raise.

Little incentives

An employer can help keep their employees happy by giving them little incentives. For example, saying good job, or sending an employee a note expressing appreciation for their hard work is a great and inexpensive way for an employer to make an employee happy.

Having an employee of the month is also another inexpensive incentive that can help keep employees happy. The Employee of the Month can have their name and picture put up in the office and they can receive a little prize, such as money or a gift card. The employee of the month will be happy, and the other employees will strive to get the recognition they will receive when they become employee of the month.

Having other programs, such as "Most Improved Employee" can help other employees to be happy since not every employee will always be in the running for Employee of the Month.

Casual Fridays are a great little incentive that is completely free. While there are some employees who do not mind dressing up, and perhaps they even like it, many employees like the chance to dress down for work ever so often. Giving employees a Casual Friday can lighten up the mood of the workplace and keep the employees happy.

Food

Food is not just the way to a man's heart; it is also the way to an employee's happiness! Employers can help keep their employees happy by giving them food once-in-awhile. Having bagels in the break room, or a free pizza lunch every now and then can help employees be very happy. An employer can have a party for the top several employees, or just bring cupcakes for everyone in the office one day.

Even though it seems like giving food to many employees could break the bank, many times local food places will offer businesses discounts if they are buying a certain amount of food. They may also offer discounts on their food if a company uses them often. Also, instead of the employer supplying the food, they can set up a potluck so that everyone in the office brings one thing. This is a great way to make sure there is enough food, without the employer having to buy it all.

A good environment

If the workplace is a clean environment, employees will be happier to be there. Since the office needs to be clean for a business to run well, this is a great way to keep employees happy without breaking the bank. It is also important for the workplace to be fun. Employers can help keep their employees happy by letting the employees decorate their own work space. If employees are required to wear uniforms they can make them their own (within reason).

Being a good employer

There are many attributes that a good employer should have. One such attribute is listening. If the employer takes the time to listen to their employees' concerns, problems, or ideas, the employee will be happy, and issues can be more easily resolved. Being friendly to the employees is also a great way for an employer to be a good employer and to make their employees happy.