Most employees respond well to monetary incentives, but few companies have a lot of extra cash sitting around for motivation purposes these days. It may take more time and effort than handing out bonus checks, but there are ways to make people care about doing a better job without spending more money, writes Patty Azzarello in a column at CIOUpdate.

Taking the time to personally recognize a job well done can have a lasting impact on an employee's morale and loyalty, Azzarello writes. When someone has done something particularly well, you can pick up the phone to say thank you or send a hand-written note. Sending someone from outside the department to say thanks can go a long way as well, she advises.

The motivating nature of recognition can be contagious, in Azzarello's experience. "One time someone in my organization did something brilliant to simplify the product line. She got a huge personal thank you from the Manufacturing vice president, because it increased our margins," she writes. "Not only was she on top of the world, but everyone in her group saw it happen and was motivated, too."

For more:
- see Patty Azzarello's column at CIOUpdate

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