According to Entrepreneur Magazine, the number one way to encourage improvement among employees is to praise them for a job well done. And the number one myth when it comes to keeping them motivated? That money is the only option. That’s good news for businesses that are feeling the economic pinch, because with budgets stretched thin and raises and bonuses nearly nonexistent, you need to find other ways to motivate your staff. One proven method is to offer a small gift to serve as a visible reminder of your gratitude.

Encourage Improvement and Professionalism with Custom Charms

A great way to encourage improvement in any area is through sincere thanks coupled with unexpected rewards. Of course you thank your employees frequently, but imagine the morale boost they’ll receive when you present them with a tangible symbol of your appreciation.

A staff member with past attendance issues will be much more motivated to arrive on time every day when she realizes her efforts have been noticed by senior management. Present her with a small charm bearing your company logo and a few words of encouragement, and not only will she be proud to display it, but other employees will work harder to earn their own rewards.

Customer service is another area that is greatly improved with the addition of small gifts. A medallion displayed on an office wall acts as a constant reminder to an inside sales person of her history of giving outstanding support to everyone who calls. In the retail sector, customers who are greeted by an employee sporting a symbol of their commitment to excellence know they can expect an outstanding experience.

Recognize Achievements in Training Programs

Ongoing training is an important part of your business development, but getting your employees to participate can be a challenge. One way to promote an enthusiastic response is with public recognition. That doesn’t mean you have to hold an award ceremony, though. Instead, offer a visible token to represent levels of accomplishment.

Similar to military ribbons or karate belts, custom charms or medallions can be fashioned to represent steps in a process. As an employee passes each level, he or she is rewarded with a new piece to commemorate the event. Various levels can be indicated with different color gemstones or other decorative touches, so a collection of medallions clearly shows the recipient’s progress.

Start a Friendly Competition and Watch Sales Increase

A little rivalry can work to your advantage when trying to drive sales, increase donations, or reduce expenses. One way to encourage competition is to offer prizes to the top performers. Much like Olympic medals, charms or medallions of different colors and designs can represent various levels of achievement.

To add to the excitement, tie your competition to a popular sporting event such as the World Series or the NCAA basketball championship. Divide the staff into teams based on department or location, and keep a "scoreboard" in a public place. When the games are over, offer medallions to the top performers, most improved, and of course, most valuable player.

Inexpensive metal medallions and charms can be better than cash when it comes to keeping employees happy and boosting performance. Perhaps even more importantly, though, these incentive programs don’t require a budget overhaul. When ordering custom medallions, be sure to choose a vendor who specializes in top-quality metal products. The best suppliers offer custom color matching, free design work, and quick turnaround at no additional charge. In addition, look for manufacturers who can accommodate intricate designs so your logo looks its best.