Pretty easy to motivate employees: 1. Don't be a dick. 2. Pay people at least an average wage. 3. Don't pay one person wayyyy more than an equivalent employee. People talk and get jealous. Plus they could play the whole race/sex/religious/sexual orientation card and sue you for discrimination. 4. Continue to give people feedback when they do a good and poor job. In my opinion constructive reviews that address weaknesses should come right after an employ has received a wage increase, so they will be motivated. 5. Have a fun budget. 30 to 50 dollars an employee per month.