Finding free staff rewards

Everyone knows that recognition is an integral component of managing and keeping team members happy. But admittedly, sometimes there's little or no budget for such rewards.

Lynn Kessel, the hospital manager at Round Rock Animal Hospital in Round Rock, Texas, has found ingenious ways to easily obtain funds or items for employee recognition. "I use several inventory-counting companies that cost roughly $10 per month to keep track of inventory of certain products," Kessel says. "These same companies often have surveys to complete. You can typically receive $50 or so for your time if you complete these projects for them." And she uses that money for rewards.

In addition, Kessel says, many manufacturers' promotions and rebate programs offer gift certificates or cash—all of which can be used for employee recognition. "Take advantage of these opportunities to reward your team," she says. "Gift certificates or cash work well to reward employees for something extra they've done or a great idea they brought to your attention."

Corporate Issues, Getty Images