No one has been immune to the recent economy lapses and its wave of ravages. In the large number of those affected, HR Managers and Businesses have not been able to avoid rough times. Companies, families and individuals alike should take proactive steps to help turn them around. Here are ten actions that can be introduced immediately and will help motivate your employees!

1. Sub-goals are a useful strategy in motivating employees. Make sure there are clear rewards when these sub-goals have been accomplished. An example of this is offering a staff party or lunch for regaining a certain number of accounts in one month.

2. Monetary rewards are always popular amongst employees. This can often take an employee’s minds off the tanked economy for a moment or two. Small monetary incentives, such as a $5 gift certificate for a coffee shop, for challenges around the office will motivate employees to work harder. These challenges can include the most criminal background checks in one day or the most tenant screenings in one hour.

3. Allow your employees to make rules around the office. Giving employees a certain amount of power helps increase morale. The statement “power to the people” really does help improve the way a company feels. While higher-ranking employees still have the ability to pass or decline what the others suggest, it still allows the general office employees to express their own opinions and suggestions.

4. Attempt to provide the office with breakfast at least once a week. If this is not something already built into your budget, as your management to insert this into the budget. For example, at a pre employment screening company, this small offering to your employees can help increase productivity in criminal background searches for the entire week, especially if the breakfast is held on a Monday morning.

5. Similar to the breakfast idea, ask your management to budget in a monthly or bi-weekly lunch for all employees. You could strategically make it a working lunch and discuss recent work related topics or provide a learning seminar for all of your employees at the same time. Your employees’ will be gaining industry-related information as well as appreciating the generosity of a free lunch.

6. Monthly potlucks are also a great way to incorporate a working lunch into the office atmosphere. Employees are able to bond while sharing recipes and delicious food while at the same time focusing on business.

7. Birthday celebrations are another easy way to boost employee morale. A small management budget and a few bucks pitched in by other employees can cover birthday related expenses. These celebrations are greatly appreciated by employees and also create a positive atmosphere around the office.

8. Missions Statements can be an effective motivational method. These are usually better when they are department specific. For example, at an employment screening firm separate different work groups and ask them to put together a list of goals and interests that are most important to them. If your Missions Statement has a suggestion from each employee they will feel more part of the group.

9. Include the staff in the hiring process for each department. While employees can’t help with the criminal background searches of prospective employees, they will feel valued if their opinion is considered.

10. Anonymous suggestions help include employees in improving the overall company. Make sure the suggestions are read and considered by upper-management and attempt to put the words into action!