worse yet

If there isn't a sense of pride there, an employee won't be happy very long, and you won't be getting quality work out of them. That's why, when it comes to tips and advice for managers, the best course of action you can pursue is a concerted effort to establish and develop that sense of pride your employees should be feeling. The best part is that it doesn't have to cost much-and often times need not cost anything at all. Here are some of the best ways to make it happen:

The extra long lunch break. An extra 30 minutes on an employee's lunch break is an ultra low cost way of expressing your appreciation for a job well done. Most employees will acknowledge that more free time is an even greater gift than more money. Because all the money in the world doesn't do a bit of good if you can't ease some of the pressure.

An audience with upper management over good ideas. Many times employees feel like their contributions go unnoticed and uncredited. That's the greatest way to make your employees lose interest in their jobs and work only hard enough not to get fired. Ease the burden of trust. Assure your employees that their ideas are not being ignored or, worse yet, stolen.

Reward the initiative to pursue continuing education. In addition to good ideas on the job, you should also be rewarding accomplishments and initiatives outside the job. When your employees decide to improve themselves and add to their education, they can grow into even more valuable assets around the office, out in the field, or wherever you have them stationed. Some companies even spring for all or part of tuition, though that can get into a costly dilemma the more people decide to follow this course of action. It's far better to reward your employees with slight improvements in pay and perhaps small gifts to show a shared enthusiasm.

Recognize achievements of the individual in a public venue. Company newsletters and meetings are a great place to acknowledge the expertise and improvements of your employees, and pat the backs of those that make your company what it is.

Pizza parties! Take orders on favorite toppings, send out a company email about the party asking for everyone who is going to participate, and call in for delivery. Your employees will appreciate it and work harder knowing that you made the investment of time and money to say, "Job well done!"