For your high achievers:

  1. Make sure they have something meaningful to work on.
  2. Treat them like human beings.

For everyone else:

  1. Give the Employee of the Month a special parking spot.
  2. Pep rallies.
  3. Company newsletter.
  4. The promise of a raise.
  5. PTO
  6. etc.,etc.,etc.

In case other people don't recognize "PTO", it stands for "Paid Time Off" (e.g. holidays).

Pretty easy to motivate employees: 1. Don't be a dick. 2. Pay people at least an average wage. 3. Don't pay one person wayyyy more than an equivalent employee. People talk and get jealous. Plus they could play the whole race/sex/religious/sexual orientation card and sue you for discrimination. 4. Continue to give people feedback when they do a good and poor job. In my opinion constructive reviews that address weaknesses should come right after an employ has received a wage increase, so they will be motivated. 5. Have a fun budget. 30 to 50 dollars an employee per month.

Link is dead

Try this.

http://www.inc.com/magazine/20090601/under-armours-kevin-pla...

If you're in a position to fire, you're in a position to have some sort of responsibility for the success of the company. Don't view it as babysitting or coddling; an employee that is motivated and engaged will be more likely to exceed the goals that you set.

I don't have any emotional attachment to my employer, but I'm fiercely loyal to the individuals therein that have listened to, respected, and honestly considered my opinions. I feel a personal obligation to ensure that I meet those individuals' expectations.