Valued employees are motivated.

• Position: Supplement: Small Business Survival Strategies

Money was once considered the key motivator in the workplace, but business owners and managers are beginning to realize the importance employees give to "being valued" by the employer.

The ideal office atmosphere is one in which employee initiative is encouraged, but disruptive gossip is not. The office has well-explained procedures and good communication between supervisors and staff who know what their role is and what standards are expected of them.

Motivated employees believe their company has a sense of direction. They clearly understand the company's policies and goals, as well as the objectives of their department.

The employees themselves also need short- and long-term goals. These goals should be in writing and measurable. In addition, they should relate directly to the goals of the company.

Standards for employees need to be attainable and realistic. If management sets goals which are nearly impossible to reach - even when employees are working at their full capacity - then frustration and disillusionment can set in.

If you sense that the morale of your staff is poor, meet with them and express an interest in identifying problems that are causing poor morale. Encourage team work and healthy communication to get the problems...