If you own a small business, you've probably noticed that your employee turnover rate is higher than it used to be. In fact, the average annual turnover rate among companies with fewer than 100 employees is 20%-- and that's three times higher than what it was just five years ago. The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way! Here are some ideas for employee incentive programs that won't break the bank.

Every small business relies upon its employees to keep the business alive. Sometimes, business owners don’t realize the degree of stress this places on the men and women whom they employ — and how feeling stressed leads to less-than-optimum work performance. On the other hand, while no one says it is the role of businesses to make people “happy,” few will dispute the idea that a fulfilled, upbeat employee is more productive than a worried, burned-out employee — every time. Here are tips for keeping your employees motivated, happy, and engaged on the job, which in turns leads to further growth for your business.