Employers recognize that many employees work for a paycheck to make their lives easier for their families. Aside from receiving a fair paycheck, creating a fun, inviting work environment is an important way to keep employees happy. But how do you appreciate employees when you have a budget?

Employers seek new methods in employee recognition within the confines of their financial plans. Some of the more popular methods are typically overlooked and are very cost effective. Some of the simplest are still the best methods.

• Remember to recognize people by their name when possible. By simply knowing an employee’s name, you are telling them you care.

• Try to send a personal thank you from the boss, and or owner. This lets your employees know you care.

• Buy lunch for a department every now and then. It creates a fun environment for your employees to engage in and helps you get to know your employees as well.

• Organize company picnics including families. Letting your employees know that you care about their families is a good way to really get to know your employees on a more personal level, making them feel more important to you.

• Purchase movie tickets for a job well done. It’s a nice way to congratulate a worker.

• Give employees public recognition in front of their peers for good work.

While these are simple business methods, employers sometimes forget to go back to the basics. With these simple methods, you can ensure employee recognition and create an overall better environment around the office.