Last week I attended a meeting for human resource professionals.  The dinner speaker talked about fun in the workplace – an unusual topic given today’s economic climate.  The speaker’s examples of workplace fun were along the lines of employee parties, picnics, and catered lunches.

As I sat there, I had to wonder, who can think about having fun at work with layoffs, benefit reductions, and pay cuts?  In the Q&A after the presentation, someone asked my question, but in a slightly different way.  The audience member was concerned about how spending money for fun would be perceived by people both inside and outside the company.  People might wonder if the money spent on a party could have saved a few jobs.   The speaker did a good job of addressing this concern by discussing how important it is to engage the people who remain in your organization.

Engaged employees are more committed to the organization and are willing to go beyond the call of duty.  Numerous studies have found a link between high employee engagement levels and positive business results.  The opposite is also true.

As a leader, it is crucial to your company’s success to do what you can to boost employee engagement levels.  Make it a habit to acknowledge and appreciate the people on your team.  It doesn’t take a lot of money to say thank you and to show that you care.

For many years, I worked in senior management on contracts with tight margins.  Translation—the money available to recognize and reward employees, beyond their normal compensation, was minuscule.  I had to get creative to show my employees that I appreciated them.

It doesn’t cost a dime to talk to your people and really listen to what they have to say.  Invest your time to get to know your employees on a personal level and help them achieve their goals through mentoring and coaching.   Time and time again, when I ask people to tell me about the best manager they ever had, they will say something about how that manager took a personal interest in them and their success.

Another very inexpensive way to show you care is to write a note.  And, I’m not talking about a quick email.  Never underestimate the value of a personal, handwritten note to express your thanks and gratitude to someone on your team.

Here are a few other inexpensive things I’ve done in the past to recognize my team and have some cheap fun:

• Put together a scavenger hunt that ended up at my home for lunch and an inexpensive prize for the winning team
• Grilled and served hamburgers and hot dogs in the office parking lot
• At Halloween, had a pumpkin carving and costume contest

What are you doing to boost employee morale and engagement in your organization?