As much as we want to believe our employees’ energy levels and engagement shoot back up to 100 percent after the holidays each new year, the truth is motivation is not automatic. Employees still need to be motivated to be at their most productive, and it falls on you to get them inspired for the new year and every day to follow. Although there are plenty of managers out there who believe motivation requires hand-holding or flashy gestures, there are many ways to motivate your employees without taking too much of your time and theirs. Here are a few simple examples of employee incentives that can keep your team focused and motivated in the new year and beyond.

Perhaps the most apparent motivator to give your employees a little something extra is to thank them for their efforts. These tokens of appreciation don’t have to take the form of bonuses on their paychecks - they can be something as simple as a prepaid gift card to their favorite coffee shop or lunch spot.

Letting your employees know you value their input can be a great way to motivate them because it lets them participate in what happens within the company. Whether you hold brainstorming sessions or have them take informal surveys, checking in once in a while to see what new ideas your employees have tells them they matter to the company's overall success.

Some companies have put a lot of thought into making their workplaces more fun with elaborately themed parties and hiring flash mobs to dance in the office. Those ideas might be a bit much for your office, but you can still inject a little fun into your workplace with elements like monthly contests, themed casual-dress days, and monthly celebrations for everyone with a birthday in that month.

It's hard for employees to be motivated when they feel like manager would rather be somewhere else. Remember to lead by example and let your enthusiasm about the company and your team's goals show in your demeanor and actions. People want to feel like they’re contributing to something everyone believes in, and unless you make it clear that you believe in what they’re doing, they might not get the message.

Employees feel more motivated when they know their manager values what they do, and it’s your responsibility to make sure they know. An open-door policy not only encourages your employees to stop in and share their input with you, but it also allows you to let them know individually that you appreciate their hard work or provide them with an inspirational pep talk. Even a simple hand-written note communicates that you care enough about what they do to take the time, which speaks volumes.

Your company has lofty goals for its future, but the employees on the front lines may not be motivated by something as big-picture as "Reach $1 billion in annual revenue." Breaking those big goals down into smaller goals like "Add 25 new customers this month" not only gives employees something they can wrap their heads around in the context of their jobs but also provides regular opportunities to celebrate when those goals are met.

RPG Card Services is the perfect solution to keep your employees motivated throughout the year. Motivate your employees with gift cards from Shell, American Express®, Target™, Pizza Hut® , and many more! We make motivating your employees even easier with services like Custom Fulfillment, Card Customization, Custom Ordering & Reward Redemption Portals, and Creative Services. Please speak with your Account Manager today to find out how we can benefit you.

Make it your best year yet with RPG Card Services.