When you're trying to keep your employees motivated and engaged at work, but budgets are tight, consider the immortal words of Samuel J. Snodgrass, as he was about to be led to the guillotine, Make 'em laugh!
(Okay, so it was actually the late great Donald O'Connor in Singing in the Rain, but you get the message...)
The same message Snodgrass, via O'Connor directed towards actors and movie-makers applies to managers and supervisors. When times are tough and stress is high, when it comes to employee motivation, "Make 'em laugh!"
Example:
Someone has done a great job and you want to give them an award certificate. You could choose a standard "wow, you did an outstanding job certificate" Yawn. One more paper to file (or deep six.)
Or you could choose a ready-to-print certificate and have someone creative compose a funny award name and maybe a verse or limerick to convey your gratitude or admiration for what they've accomplished. THAT will make 'em laugh, AND get hung on the wall. Simple twist, big difference in the impact!
Another example
It's an employee anniversary or some other milestone, and you want to give them a small gift to let them know you appreciate their contribution. You could give them a pin or other token that proudly proclaims the number of years worked (does ANYONE actually wear those???)
Or, you could give them a pen that talks back to them, a silly desk toy or a Magic Eight Ball Desktop Advisor that will help with all those "tough decisions."
Which one will be used and looked at...the pin or the toy? Which one will actually motivate? It's simple...which one will Make 'em laugh??
It doesn't cost a lot to keep your employees happy. Just a giggle and a chuckle, a funny card, a silly toy -- and the sincere thank you behind it.
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