Motivation during tough times

Motivate employees by demonstrating that their ideas matter.

Morale will improve if you ask employees to give you constructive suggestions on how to manage your tight budget. For example, ask: “What would you do if you were the owner of our company?” Encourage participation to create team synergy.

Form a committee consisting of both managers and employees to implement ideas creatively. Reward employees whose ideas are used with a gift certificate to a restaurant or movie.

Communicate carefully and respectfully why certain ideas could not be implemented. It may be easier for them to understand your realistic expectations about the future of the company's growth.