How to incentivize staff with no money?

I was a front desk receptionist for a social service office in Westchester working on my undergrad as a public administrator when I asked myself this question for the first time. How do you incentivize staff with no money? I remember hearing for the first time that managers weren't allowed to give staff gifts valued higher than $25 and well salaries weren't that high. That night I went home and as usual went to bed thinking how can a manager then really appreciate the work of their employees when they are limited. Remember, I was only 21 at the time so this was all new to me. I was still learning so much about management. This was probably my first journey into management. I just never imagined 12 years later I would be answering my own question. Fast forward to my today. I am leading a team of professionals that are doing some amazing work along my side. As you may already know, non-profit work and that which works with trauma and direct services can be stressful. So how do I incentivize and motivate my staff to stay motivated, flexible and committed to their task and team? Here are my three favorite tips: Relationship: Many managers are very afraid of becoming personally involved with their staff. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying to build a out of work - buddy buddy relationship with your staff. What I am referring to is, let's be relational. Interact with your staff and lead with honesty. Let your staff know that you understand them, support them and will be there to guide them. Build that trust that will have them following you and respecting your decisions. Learn their names, give them a space to feel comfortable to be honest with you and know when to be professional and off the record. Appreciate: One of the practices I have is always thank my staff for what they do. I remind them, what they do is for the population we serve, the team they are part of and their professional skills that they will continue to sharpen. One of my childhood lessons that my mother made sure I practiced everywhere I went was manners. I remember the kitchen staff at my school telling my mother, "your daughter never fails to thank me" you'd be surprised what that can do to people working hard after a long day. So thank you after a long day of your teams day. Let them know you appreciate their dedication. Listen to them: It is hard for your employees to communicate to them their needs. Many times staff is afraid of approaching you to discuss how they are feeling in the job, how they are managing their task or how they are feeling that day. If you practice the steps above you will get them to listen to you. Everybody wants to be heard. You want your team to be able to give you feedback. How else will I grow as a leader? There is no better way to give someone value for their work and skills then to listen to their feedback. Not only will their ideas potentially improve a process but it will ultimately build confidence in your team to be independent thinkers and push themselves to improvement. At the end - a nice lunch on the boss won't hurt!