The truthabout wages is that over time, no matter how high they are those who earn themseem to gradually adjust to them. It's not that employees consider themselvesunderpaid, unless of course they are. It's just that they become used to whatthey are making and the initial thrill of achieving a high wage, any wage forthat matter seems to wear off.

The GoodOld Cash Kick in the Seat Of the Pants

So this iswhere employee incentive schemes come in and bear in mind that all formulas ofthis type need not be monetary rewards. However; there is nothing like a good(cash kick) in the ?seat of the pants? to get an employee or group of employeesmoving.

CarefullyPlanned Production Bonuses

Productionbonuses are a no brainer. Simply figure out what your employees should be doingwith regards to productivity, set the bar higher and offer a bonus for hittingthat bar. Bear in mind though that bonus's of this type must be managedcarefully, lest they demoralize certain workers.

GroupProduction Bonuses

You see, ifthere are several ways to implement production bonuses. For instance you canimplement group or individual bonuses of this type and each one has its prosand cons. With group production bonuses all employees must be motivated,willing participants lest the group be stuck with one or more employees who areriding on the other coattails.

IndividualEmployee Production Bonuses

Offer themon an individual basis and it may turn out to be only a select few ?alreadyproductive? employees that are even taking part in them. Also if you set acertain goal that must be attained to receive a bonus of this type and thosewho make an effort yet don't reach that goal lose out on their efforts, theycan become disenchanted.

The Benefitof Community Involvement

If you area community based business you may want to consider sponsoring a companycharity event or program of some type. It could be an arm of your company thatdoes something like getting involved with charity fund raising or supportefforts with a local Lions club, family crisis shelter or a similarorganization.

Dont ForgetMotivated Employee ?Retention?

Productiveand motivated employees can then be allowed join in on the ?visible public?efforts of this company sponsored organization and thereby garner ?socialstatus? and ?recognition? in their community. You get the combined effects ofemployee retention, in that they have to stay with your company to remaininvolved in their community and also you can most likely receive some type ofcharity tax deduction.

When's theLast Time You Had a Company Picnic?

If an icechest full of beer and soda pop and a smoking grill loaded with chicken andribs is not your cup of tea then you may be underestimating the power of thecompany picnic as an employee motivation tool. Remember that employees who?play together stay together? and what's the use of motivating employees ifthey are going to move to another firm once they become motivated?

The Old?Lunch with the Boss Trick? Costs Only the Price Of a Burger