This weeks guest post comes from  Michelle Strassburg Co-Founder of hardwood flooring start up WoodandBeyond.com

Keeping employees motivated can be particularly difficult during the early stages of a start-up. With limited funds and a never-ending to-do list, your staff can end up working long hours for average pay. Here are 10 tips on how you can motivate your employees to ensure a happier and therefore more productive work place without spending a fortune.

1. Recognition, rewards & incentives – One of the simplest and cheapest of motivating employees is to show them recognition for a job well done. Rewards could include writing about their achievements in your company newsletter or on your website, an Employee of the Month Award or token gestures like taking the team out for lunch once a month and remembering their birthdays with a card and cake. These small gestures increase people’s self-esteem and make them feel better about their job and the result is improved productivity.

2. Training & development  – Every member of your team deserves regular coaching, reviews, feedback and 1:2:1 meetings, even if you run a two person business. It’s the only way for you to understand what their development needs are and to discuss the opportunities for promotion. Budget for each employee to attend at least one networking function, conference or workshop each year. This will have a very positive effect on staff retention levels.

3. Salary & benefits – Pensions, health insurance, travel allowance, gym membership and mobiles should all be considered as staff benefits. This shows staff that you recognise the importance of a healthy work life balance. Although only 28 per cent according to a survey by recruitment agency Brook Street are motivated by money, you should still check out your competition to find out what they’re offering to help you set realistic yet attractive pay packets to help attract and retain employees.

4. Communicate & support – Communicate with your team on a regular basis. If you have fewer than 10 employees you should try and bring the team together once a week to talk about day to day work and any major issues. Employees are more motivated when they feel needed and valued. Also, provide them with support and a sympathetic ear otherwise they will become frustrated. Keep your office door open and remind employees that if they have any questions or concerns, you’re happy to help.

5. Team building sessions – Identify problems in the business and set your team the challenge to fix them with a reward. You can actually watch your business become more efficient while your employees bond! You could also encourage team bonding lunches and treating the team to an annual sporting or cinema event.

6. Ask for ideas – Most employees feel more motivated simply by knowing that their opinion counts and that they’re having some kind of input. Speak to your employees regularly either in a 1:2:1 meeting or group lunch to ask their opinion on any improvements they think can be made. All their ideas might not be feasible but many could actually save your company time and money.

7. Empower employees – The bulk of employees are motivated by challenging themselves and improving their skills. Delegate responsibility and then allow your employees to handle it without interfering. Step in when needed but step back as often as possible, allowing employees to solve problems themselves. This creates an atmosphere of inclusion and Intrapreneurship. Also allow employees to cross-train other members of the department which increases the skills base available.

8. Create a clear vision – Identify and communicate the company’s mission, goals and progress. Make sure that everyone understands the rationale behind them and how they contribute toward achieving them. Employees often feel strong satisfaction from knowing that they’re actually making a difference. Also let people know what is expected of them. You should have a job description for every position, clearly outlining qualifications and responsibilities, regardless of the size of your company.

9. Show your own motivation  – Be a role model. If you expect employees to be on time, then make sure you are on time too. If you can transmit your enthusiasm to your staff, their motivation will increase. Think about any areas where you might not be modeling the appropriate behaviour. You may be able to do things differently?

10. Ask your employees what they want – One of the good things about running a small business is that you are closer to employees working for you and can directly ask them what they really think. You can then use that info to implement some of their suggestions and positively affect productivity.

Do you have any tips for motivating your team? Let us know via the comments box…