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It’s no secret that one of the best ways to motivate employees is by using some sort of incentive. For many employers, this incentive is some sort of monetary amount. After all, nothing quite lights the fire in an employee like knowing that he or she has the potential to add to their earnings.

But let’s face it – times are still tough and there might not be any wiggle room left in the annual budget to allocate these additional bonus dollars for deserving employees. So what can you do to show employees that you appreciate their hard work, yet not have your efforts be scoffed at by the hard working people that are helping you run your business?

Here’s a look at some ways on how to motivate employees without money:

• Award certificates: A certificate is a valuable keepsake that can really show an employee how much you care. Consider awarding such certificates for employee of the month, perfect attendance and more. You might even consider framing the certificate for the employee to help dress it up and make it an even more valuable keepsake.
• Verbal praise: Sometimes the greatest motivator is as simple as praising the employee, whether it be in front of their peers at a weekly or monthly staff meeting or in an e-mail newsletter that goes out to the whole company. Being praised shows an employee how much they are appreciated.
• Take an employee out to lunch: Another cost-effective way to show an employee how much they’re appreciated is simply to take that worker out to lunch, unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
• Bonus vacation days: If money isn’t a viable option for rewarding employees, other things that don’t necessarily factor into the bottom line quite as much might be – like bonus vacation days. So don’t be afraid to dish out another personal day or two to a qualified employee in lieu of a bonus. To many employees, more time off is just about as good as a pay bonus.
• Premium parking spot: In every office lot, there’s always those spots that are closest to the door or in a covered garage. These spots are typically cherished, as they’re close to the door and offer more protection from any weather elements compared to other spots in the lot. Offer special parking privileges in these spots to employees that qualify.

As an office employee, you may seek to keep all thoughts of work on the back burner as soon as begin the daily commute home. But comic relief often serves as the best solution to work stress, which is perhaps why, even after its finale, The Office remains such a popular television series. Next time you’re feeling anxious about that big ‘rundown’ or struggling to recall the best of the office at which you’re currently employed, check out one of these hilarious Office episodes:

1. Office Olympics

When the cat’s away, the mice play — or at least, Jim and Pam stage elaborate Olympic ceremonies. Between coffee cup races, paper football flicking and yogurt cap medals, this episode can serve as excellent inspiration for future bonding activities at your place of employment.

2. Beach Games

Another great idea for employee bonding? Enjoying a beach field trip, such as the disastrous beach visit featured in season three of The Office. Sumo wrestling and fire walking are not required, although; if they appeal to your Office-loving coworkers, why not give ’em a try?

3. Niagara

At the pinnacle of Jim and Pam aww moments stands Niagara, the two-part episode in which the beloved couple ditched their own wedding ceremony in order to experience marriage on their terms.

4. Scott’s Tots

Once again showing that he’s both clueless and kindhearted, Michael attempts to backpedal on a massive scholarship promise in hopes of improving high school graduation rates. Hilarity ensues!

5. Search Committee

Yes, the best of The Office antics usually took place under the supervision of Michael Scott, but there’s plenty of great post-Michael episodes as well. For example, in Search Committee, viewers enjoyed cameos from Ray Romano and Jim Carrey. What could be better?

6. The Dundies

Michael Scott loves employee awards, and, while his distinctions are not always politically correct, the concept of recognizing talented individuals does hold some merit. Of course, everyone’s favorite part of this episode is the steamy kiss between Jim and Pam.

7. Michael’s Last Dundies

Much has changed from season two’s Dundies to season seven’s version, but the ridiculousness of the awards remains the same as ever. And as one of Michael’s last episodes, it’s all the more poignant.

8. Goodbye Michael

Although not actually a series finale, Goodbye Michael seems a bit like the ending to The Office, Part 1. With brief goodbyes and rehashing of old jokes, it feels like the send-off Michael deserves.

9. Mrs. California

This is a Dwight-heavy episode with a particularly hilarious back-story involving “Dwight Schrute’s Gym For Muscles.” And of course, Andy Bernard’s catch-22 makes for a great triangle of awkwardness.

10. Finale

Aptly named, Finale does feel like fan service at times, but that doesn’t stop it from being a very touching end to a great series. Plus, the return of Michael Scott is definitely a good thing!

[photos via]

The employees at your company do their best to deliver top-notch service each and every day, all the while maintaining a lighthearted workplace even in the midst of an occasionally stressful environment. This year, it’s time to give back in a way this humorous team will appreciate — with a set of hilarious employee recognition certificates! The kookier the categories, the better! If you’re struggling to come up with ideas worthy of your company’s silly employees, use the following suggestions to get you started:

Dundies From “The Office”

Are the employees at your company major fans of The Office? Why not steal a few ideas from Michael Scott and hold your very own Dundies? Feel free to christen the ceremony with a goofy name based on your company’s moniker, but don’t be afraid to outright claim the well-known Dundies name for yourself. Memorable awards from Michael Scott’s Dundies include Best Mom, Best Dad, Hottest in the Office, Busiest Beaver Award and even Whitest Sneakers In The Office. If you take this route, be sure that everyone in your office environment is relaxed and not offended by the jokes on The Office, as the last thing you want to do is create an uncomfortable work environment.

Video Game Terminology

Any gamers in your midst? Don’t hesitate to offer awards surrounding the lingo of their favorite hobby! Instead of Rookie of the Year, go with the Noob Award. Or, if there’s a person known for being both super nice and super into gaming, bestow this kind-hearted individual with the exclusive Halo Award. Have someone with impressive street smarts or a cool car? You could present the Trevor Award (from GTA).  And of course, the most musical employee is an obvious target for the distinguished award of Guitar Hero.

Awards For Early Birds And Night Owls

Is there an employee well known for his or her penchant for arriving at the office at the break of dawn? This is you ideal recipient for the exclusive Early Bird Award. Of course, in addition to an early bird, pretty much every office has its own party animal, known for keeping the annual Christmas gathering going all night long. This individual, of course, serves as the ideal Night Owl award winner.

When it comes to humorous employee recognition awards, it always pays to think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to show off your silly side — the recipients will receive both a good laugh and the motivation that accompanies any type of thoughtful recognition.

After the last gift is exchanged at your company’s Christmas party and everyone heads to their cars, you can finally relax on way home. The event was a success, and spikes in morale and team spirit are sure to follow—at least for awhile. Unfortunately, the status quo is always waiting for a chance to level any gains that in enthusiasm or productivity your festivities may have generated.

Don’t give it the chance!

Instead, consider taking proactive steps to keep employees smiling—and engaged—during the long stretch until next year’s holiday season. If you’re wondering how to keep employees happy, here are three ideas to get you started.

Keep the Information Flowing
Make sure your employees have a solid understanding of how the business is doing, what projects and opportunities you see down the road, and how they are helping to meet the company’s current goals. While keeping your employees in the loop isn’t as fun as throwing a Christmas party, it does communicate value, trust, and appreciation, all of which are foundational to employee happiness.

Establish Company Traditions and Celebrations throughout the Year
Flip through any calendar in the office and you’ll find that December isn’t the only month with dates printed in red. Consider organizing an employee get together for Independence Day, or any other holiday that seems appropriate. Send out customized greeting cards to recognize employees’ birthdays and consider starting an annual potluck meal for no other reason than just to enjoy each other’s company. Instead of having a single party at Christmas, your employees can look forward to a regular rhythm of work and celebration.

Provide Individualized Recognition and Rewards
When your employees perform well, be sure to recognize the achievement. Traditionally, a business might do that at evaluation time through a merit increase, but the truth of the matter is that more money is not the right reward for everyone. Some of your employees might be better served by an acknowledgement presented a company dinner, being taken out to lunch, or by receiving a certificate printed on stock from PaperDirect to display in their office.

All of these ideas may be simple and inexpensive, but they can go a long way to keeping everyone in the office happy on the other 364 days you’re not celebrating Christmas together.

As a business manager, you know there are certain times of the year when your employees are more productive. One of those times when employee productivity may wane is right before a Christmas break or holiday vacation. Between festive parties, yummy goodies in the office, buying gifts, and preparing for the holidays, the holiday season can have many employees thinking about everything and anything besides work.

Despite the holidays, all successful business owners know that it is vital to motivate employees year round, not just at certain times of the year. Here are a few practical tips on how to motivate employees during the holiday season:

1) Hold December or January employee reviews. Employees seem to step up their game before their annual review. When employees know that their review (and possible pay raise) are just around the corner, they won’t slack off during the holidays.

2) Show your appreciation. Nothing motivates an employee more than showing that you appreciate the work they do. Customized employee standard certificates are an affordable and thoughtful way to let an employee know that you recognize their hard work.

3) Host an out-of-office holiday gathering. Many people are naturally in extra good spirits around the holidays. This tends to lead to more socialization around the water cooler than usual, resulting in less employee productivity overall. By hosting an out-of-office holiday party, you’re conveying the message that there is a time and place for celebrating the holidays, which isn’t in the office during work hours.

4) Review end-of-year goals. Goals are a great way to keep employees motivated and on track. While the progress of goals should be monitored throughout the year, a end-of-year goal check might just be the thing needed to motivate an employee to stay on task before their Christmas vacation.

5) Give a holiday bonus. Money is another almost foolproof way of motivating employees, whether it’s the holiday season or not. But when you tie in a holiday bonus to the holiday season, employees can associate quality work with their holiday bonus.

Remember, every employee is unique and is motivated differently. Some employees thrive on recognition via a card or certificate, while others simply need a literal pat on the back. The good news is that at PaperDirect, we have a variety of options to motivate employees, whether that’s a customized post-it note, informal personalized thank you card, or the more formal standard certificate.

Happy, engaged employees who feel appreciated are at the heart of every successful business. Enthusiastic employees pass on the good energy to the customers. Unfortunately, many office environments cultivate disengagement and apathy. The Gallup organization has reported that only 29% of workers feel actually engaged with their jobs. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to inspire employee engagement; here are nine great low-cost employee recognition ideas you can use to motivate your staff:

1. Public Recognition
Add a section to your employee Christmas newsletter where employees can have “kudos” or appreciation for one another published.

2. Just Say Thank You
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple thank-you note card; send it to their home address for even more impact.

3. Arrange for a Presentation
Arrange for successful teams to show the results of a project to upper management to receive feedback and praise.

4. Peer-Selected Employee of the Month
Have your employees nominate and vote for the employee of the month every month. Create a custom certificate and have team members publicly and specifically explain exactly why a certain employee was selected.  Select an employee of the year from the 12 employees of the month and recognize them at the company Christmas party.

5. Create a Suggestion Program
From a suggestion box to a company-wide questionnaire, employees who feel like their ideas and opinions matter will feel appreciated and are more likely to stay engaged with their work.

6. A Celebration Calendar
Post a large calendar in the break room with employees’ birthdays and employment anniversaries prominently displayed. They will congratulate one another and managers will remember to do so as well.

7. Thank them in Person in your Office
Most employees assume something is wrong if called to the manager’s office; they’ll be extra-pleased to receive praise and gratitude instead.

8. Write Letters
A personal letter can be very impactful. Write a letter explaining in detail why a specific employee deserves praise; send a copy both to the employee as well as the supervisor.

9. Recognize Personal Milestones or Accomplishments
Has an employee just gotten married, had a child, finished a triathlon or done volunteer work? Make the effort to recognize personal achievements, even if just verbally in person or at the beginning of a staff meeting.

With so many low cost employee recognition ideas to choose from, there’s no reason not to make the effort to show employee appreciation. Foster a supportive, productive workplace and you’ll find that you’ll have loyal employees who strive to do their best for your company year after year.