by Erik Van Tongerloo

Created on: February 27, 2009   Last Updated: September 13, 2009

People spend most of their time at work to earn money and they expect happiness during their job. Money may be important but it is certainly not the only motivation factor to make employees happy. Money is a short-time motivator because a manager can give a raise of their salary and probably your employees will be happy but after some time this compensation is seen as normal reward and doesn't contribute anymore to the happiness of the employees. Appreciation of their work and flexibility are often more important than money.

The best managers know that a happy employee is a productive one and search possibilities to make them happy without spending money and which result in an increase of the productivity Here are some suggestions which may help managers to motivate employees without spending money:

* Showing respect and appreciation

Every good manager wants a work friendly environment and showing respect is a necessity to succeed. Knowing your team is essential and can help you to incorporate some of their expectations during the work hours. Maybe they want longer lunch hours or it is possible they want shorter breaks so that they can return home earlier. Talking to your employees can help you to make an arrangement which works for most everyone.

Respect and appreciation for their work are two valuable skills of a manager which will benefit their employees. Everyone wants a sign of praise if they execute a certain task very well. This will give them the energy to put more effort in their work and improves productivity without any extra cost of the employer.

* Flexibility

Most everyone wants a good work/family balance which will contribute to their happiness. Flexible working hours are often appreciated and make it possible to make good agreements between spouses. They can spend more time together and if they have children they can easier care for their children. They often don't need to search someone else for baby sitting in the evening.

Every employer wants to take holiday from time to time and a good manager don't show an attitude that his/her absence will cause problems for the company. If you are flexible in the permission of taking holiday you give them a good feeling and avoid anxiety when they take the step to ask for one or more day's holiday.

* Individual rewarding

Rewarding is an important motivation factor and can be done without spending money. You can make an employee happy if you call an employee who has done an excellent job to your office

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