The latest Employee Ownership Blog post, How Do You Motivate Employee Owners?, discusses motivational techniques:

"Some companies offer prizes and gifts, and in the case of one company, a flat screen television for the person who suggested an improvement in a manufacturing process that saved the company money. Some companies recognize the work and contributions of employee owners at meetings, in company newsletters, or through company wide email announcements. Suggestion boxes are a popular tool at companies that want to keep the lines of communication open. In fact, some companies provide more than just a suggestion "box" to allow employee owners to ask questions and voice concerns; they hold regular meetings and have Q&A sessions with company leaders and anyone in the company can ask a question and have it answered. These companies feel these open meetings are a way for employee owners to have a say and knowing there is a venue for questions and concerns, are motivated to make sure the company stays the course."

Here are some additional things to consider:

• Communications and motivational techniques may be more effective if the Motivational Buttons of each generation are targeted.
  
• Encouraging employees to take ownership will help Create a Motivated Workforce.
  
• Companies with engaged employees understand The Connection between Employee Engagement and the Bottom Line.
  
• An ESOP Communications Committee can help develop and implement motivational techniques and can help develop and maintain an ownership culture.
  
• Dealing with Cynics is essential building an ownership culture.