Try one or all of these:

1. Consider implementing a wellness program.  Work with your current benefits provider to explore some creative options surrounding wellness related initiatives.  Perhaps a partnership with a local gym, or the YMCA might be a simple way of leveraging some benefits for your employees without having to put out any serious money.  With society’s ever increasing healthy lifestyle focus, supporting your employees to make healthier living choices may seriously improve attendance, lower illness and make for a more motivated workforce.   Speak with others who have already embarked upon such programs, there is no reason to re-invent the wheel!
2. Consider hosting a lunch and learn program.  Survey your employees and see what their interests might be for a lunchtime program.  Developing these lunch and learn programs is a good way to build “team” and to encourage more social interaction amongst your employees.  You’ll be surprised that after a while the morale in the workplace will improve.
3. Look at the prospect of offering tuition/course reimbursement.  Depending on the type of program your employees are pursuing it could be costly so you will need to put some parameters around the costs and eligibility.  However when your employees see that your organization is prepared to invest in their success you may just find them willing to go that extra mile in gratitude for your support.  Employees who are challenging themselves are often already motivated and engaged – don’t put that fire out!
4. Consider the potential for flexible working conditions.  The time may be right to look at work-from-home, or flex time arrangements to support the challenges some employees may be facing.  Given the severity of extreme weather events, family support requirements, and various other implications which from time to time can impact an employee’s work attendance perhaps a trial program which offers up some degree of flexibility for the employees in need of a lifeline would go a long way to building the rapport and engagement.  Remember today more than ever employers are competing for talent – so the greater the latitude your can provide might make the difference in landing the employee you want.
5. Adopt a relaxed dress code.  If a more casual office attire can still provide for a professional atmosphere, then shed the ties and allow for some greater flexibility in what your employees can wear to work.  Maybe you can empower a group of employees to set up the framework for what is acceptable understanding that you still have to service the public.  Empowerment may actually gain you some significant traction on this issue.
6. Look at how you might encourage volunteerism.  Is there a way that you can allow some time for your staff to give back to their community?   Give your staff the opportunity to volunteer at either their children’s school or a charity they feel passionate about.  Start small and see how it helps to build a culture of caring and giving.  Maybe it’s a couple of hours over the course of a week or maybe a day every month or two.

Perhaps some of these ideas will cost you money.  But it certainly will pale in comparison to any bonuses and raises.  In fact some ideas like the introduction of a wellness program could actually save you money in the long run on health care benefits and insurance costs.

Overall if you can raise employee engagement you will more than cover any cost increases through improved productivity and reduced turnover.

Good luck!

Visit OMLI.CA for more information on our leadership programs or how we may be of assistance to you.