Happy employees are productive employees, and their higher performance levels translate into stronger business success. Maintaining good morale is a responsibility that falls squarely on a company’s management staff.

Although the leaders in a small company might be on a first-name basis with all its employees, the task of motivating workers isn’t necessarily easier. To ensure ongoing enthusiasm, an organization’s leadership must create a workplace environment where employees are engaged and feel that their efforts make a difference.

Here are two essential practices that will motivate employees and enhance their overall job satisfaction.

• Communicate the big picture and the everyday details.
  
  Strong communication from the top is a leading factor in employee motivation. In fact, some studies suggest that executives actually promote turnover when they fail to communicate where their organizations are headed.
  
  The best motivation is routine, day-to-day conversation and contact with employees. Solicit their feedback and ensure a reliable flow of information throughout the organization. Schedule frequent employee meetings with the sole purpose of having a two-way exchange, and promote an open-door policy. Make it a point to communicate outcomes of management-only meetings with all personnel.
  
  Leaders and managers must also communicate their company’s mission with a passion. Genuine enthusiasm is contagious, and when it’s combined with a clear understanding of purpose, employees will become especially inspired.
  
  
• Reward and recognize accomplishments.
  
  Showing recognition, saying thank you, and extending compliments are the simplest, most inexpensive ways to motivate employees. No matter the size of an employee’s contribution, managers should strive to recognize it and give credit where credit is due.
  
  Rewards need not be large. Even a simple gesture like a pat on the back can go a long way in reinforcing accomplishments and building self-esteem along with a sense of pride. Gift certificates, paid time off, flowers, or an employee of the month award are all tokens of gratitude for a job well done.
  
  Remember to also recognize team efforts as well as those of individuals. Most workers are motivated by teamwork opportunities and enjoy the success of team project accomplishments.