When you are wanting to motivate your staff, it is good to remember the factors that are really important. Some may surprise you. Once financial needs are met,  there are very strong influences on motivation.

Some key influences are listed in a book by Daniel Pink: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

There is a good list in this article, which refers to the book,  about how managers can support employee motivation. There are accompanying explanations to each item in the list. http://www.octanner.com/blog/2014/02/4-overlooked-ways-managers-can-improve-employee-motivation/

1. Interact with your employees daily

2. Empower employees to manage their own performance and development

3. Personalize rewards and recognition

4. Pay attention to the little things