Whereas money can boost employees’ morale and happiness at work, its not the only factor to base on to keep them motivated.

Many studies have shown that even when employees are fairly paid, there are many other factors that determine their workplace happiness.

Here are some of the tips that managers and employers should consider to make employees happy and comfortable at their jobs even without a salary increase;

Offer rewards 

For Aimable Nkuranga, a personal finance coach in Kigali, keeping employees happy and motivated without a raise is possible, it only requires an employer to consider non-monetary factors like rewards and recognitions. For instance, if a leader recognises publicly an employee’s work in front of their colleagues, it makes them happy and even motivated. It’s those small acts that make sense to them. 

Offer a day off 

He also stresses that offering a day off to an employee who made an outstanding achievement can also be considered. But also, exposing such employees to higher responsibilities and giving them new challenges keeps them motivated. 

Genuine and regular feedback 

"Giving feedback is not only a way to improve workers’ performance, but also, an essential part of management communication. It can also inspire confidence and instil a greater sense of job satisfaction in the workplace,” Nkuranga states.

The personal finance coach further notes that knowing how to give feedback is of course a critical aspect of the job role for any manager, supervisor, or HR professional. Consistent feedback is an essential aspect of the learning and development of your employees. Therefore, giving feedback to them should be on a daily basis but not limited to the annual performance review.

Offer training opportunities 

He adds that an employee’s wish is to improve their skills. Offering them training programs and learning courses that are free of charge will equip them with more knowledge. Such workers are able to study courses that they may not have afforded on their own. Perhaps, the knowledge doesn’t only help them as individuals but also in the productivity of the company. 

Involve employees in decision making 

Sky Denis, the CEO of a logistics firm explains that when employees make decisions, especially when it comes to issues directly affecting them, it offers them a sense of belonging and feel they are part of the organisation. This psychologically makes them feel special especially if some of their ideas are actually implemented.

He says, allowing them to make decisions enables them to feel important, boosts their morale, shows trust and value their ideas, and encourages creativity. 

According to him, asking employees for their opinions can give you different perspectives to make better decisions. Employees often work more closely with customers, so they know what buyers need, they can also create revenue-generating and cost-saving ideas.

Protection from harassment

As an employer or manager, it’s critical to establish proper policies to identify and prevent harassment. Take caution through preventing and dealing with sexual and other types of harassment in your workplace because as an employer, you may be held liable for your own acts of harassment that affect employees in the workplace, as well as the acts of your managers, employees, and even harassment by customers, suppliers, and others who regularly do business with you, Denis says. 

He further notes that if an employee reports to you an issue that is bothering him or her at work, something has to be done immediately to ensure the wellbeing of that employee which in turn, will make the work environment more conducive for this individual.

Clear chain of command

Denis also explains that employees should always know who to report to in case of certain issues to enable the smooth running of the company. 

Appreciate their efforts at all times

It doesn’t hurt to thank someone for some sacrifices or if they have gone an extra mile to do something out of their way. To encourage the same energy, everyone deserves to be recognised and appreciated, he adds.

Be open and honest with employees

"Feedback is very important; employees always have to be kept in the loop of what is going on in the organisation. The higher the level of honesty, the higher the likelihood of creating a strong relationship built on trust. Keep communicating wherever necessary. Listening to people is also important as it allows you to know what’s working and what isn’t.”

"Management should communicate their goals and those of the company. Routinely talking with your employees about their goals, both personal and professional, will create commitment for both management and employees,” Denise says.