Big changes are happening fast and uncertainty is present in every field of business these days. What can you do to help keep your employees motivated, determined, and inspired during these times? Lots! And taking advantage of some of these free ideas might just be what your business needs to make it through these troubled times. Because we all know, that when you take care of your people first, they are willing and able to help your business grow.

1.Communicate- Share with your employees what changes have happened, and what will and might happen next. Your team not knowing what is going on leaves room for speculation and energy focused elsewhere - on doom and gloom! Leaving them in the dark is not good for morale or corporate culture, and as a result, your bottom line. Communicate often; instead of a lengthy monthly newsletter, have a quick 10 minute weekly or daily touch base. Haven’t made the time to get to know social media? Now is a good time to start, as blogs and pod-casting cost virtually nothing, yet is a fast way to communicate with your team.

2.Thank often. Sometimes managers think their employee already knows they are appreciated. Not necessarily. Now is the time to say thank-you more often. Ensure your thank-you is immediate. Better-late-than-never doesn\'t necessarily work in this case. Within 48 hours is a good measure.

Be specific. \"Thank you for ensuring our deadline was met\", \"Thank you for staying late to finish the proposal, the client loves it\". The message shows you notice, and care.

3.Encourage peer to peer recognition. Everyone should be reaching out to say “hey, great job!” Internal recognition programs don’t have to be expensive or complicated - in fact I would advise against making it too complicated. The best program is the one that is used. Start a simple recognition program around saying \"thank you\" that encourages peer to peer communication that builds a strong culture, connection and sense of community.

In uncertain times is the ideal opportunity to revisit your recognition program, eliminate or change items that aren’t working and start new ideas. Why? Employees are looking for a connection, meaning and purpose - now more than ever. The company “watch” or “one-size-fits-all” gift is not a very inspiring way to say thank you. Ensure your recognition ties into your company\'s vision, mission and core values. This aligns the entire company to succeed in good times and bad. Now may be the time to cut back in other areas, but it is definitely the time to increase recognizing success. Your employees need to know you appreciate their extra effort (as they are probably doing their job plus the job of one or two others). When you take care of your people, your business will not just get by, it will grow.

-- Janet Helm is a gift giving expert, who by providing innovative strategies and corporate gifts, shows that when you take care of people, your business grows.

www.janethelm.com