Doing more with less: managing workflow with fewer resources.

After experiencing several years of economic challenges, small businesses across the country have endured staff reductions, smaller budgets and mounting workloads. As a result, companies everywhere are continually learning to do more with less. Keeping existing staff motivated and productive becomes a key concern in this environment because the contribution of each member of the team is more critical than ever. Your employees have to believe that the organization can rebound, and that they can make that happen. Higher stress levels and increasing workloads need to be managed wisely to prevent burnout.

Investment in workers in a your team today will pay off later in the form of improved retention rates. Higher unemployment rates may have prompted people to stay put, even if they feel overworked and undervalued. But as greener pastures emerge, and the economy recovers they may soon leave. How you motivate your workers in a tight economy can have an impact on your firm's ability to thrive when the conditions improve.

As a manager you can take steps now to increase productivity, encourage employees and grow your business.

Spread the Word

Make communication a priority. A common response to tough times is to limit communication, usually by cutting back on internal newsletters, canceling staff meetings and conducting closed-door strategy sessions. Employees want to know where the company stands--where they stand--and they want to hear this from you, not the rumor mill.

Focus on the good. Find examples of successes and spotlight them: a team project that went well; a slight increase in revenue; an emerging market for a new product, etc.

Be honest and accessible. When your team gets the real story from you, you'll earn their loyalty. Whenever possible, relay information in person rather than through e-mails and memos. Encourage feedback and questions from everyone, especially those who tend to be more reserved. This creates cohesion and a feeling that everyone is on board and fighting the same battle.

Manage Time and Projects Effectively

Assess and assign workloads appropriately. Match skill sets of existing employees with highest priorities. Fill in gaps with the help of temporary and project staff.

Empower employees. Charge your workers with setting their own objectives and priorities. Avoid the tendency to label everything "ASAP." Encourage their feedback about what tasks can be delegated, handled by contingent staff or outsourced. Teach employees the value of addressing key priorities and alleviating distractions. Make everyone accountable--not just "star players"--for coming up with solutions to day-to-day challenges.

Minimize meetings. Hold a meeting only when you have critical news to share. Invite only those required to participate, create an agenda and stick to it. Try to schedule them during times that result in minimal disruption of workflow.

Reward Success

Don't let budgets limit recognition. Employees understand that resources are tight and don't expect a windfall. Costly gifts and fat bonuses are not the only gestures of thanks that people appreciate. Be creative with low-cost rewards such as public acknowledgements, additional time off, desirable assignments and flexible work schedules. Try to customize the kudos to the individual. And by all means, offer verbal praise as soon as it is warranted.

Be specific. It is no secret that positive reinforcement of the type of behavior you want will bring you more of the same. Don't just thank an employee for meeting a tight deadline; acknowledge his or her exceptional management or attention to detail that led to it.

Set the Standard

Lead by example. You can't deny that times are tough, and it is hard for everyone to keep up their spirits in difficult circumstances. But you set the tone. Remain upbeat, assist and encourage rather than micromanage, and emphasize the positive to your employees continually. If you demonstrate by your actions and demeanor, your team will follow.

Avoid burnout. Show employees it's OK to take breaks and do what is necessary to recharge. While everyone may be working harder, encourage your team to work smart through effective time management. Control your own schedule by leaving room for interruptions, re-evaluating priorities and workload disbursements--and time off.

Thriving in a tough marketplace takes commitment from your entire organization. It also requires flexibility and a willingness to admit that you can't operate exactly the same way you did in the past. But there is light at the end of every tunnel, and building a cohesive team on the way means you'll emerge stronger on the other side.

Wayne Beaubian is the President of Southern California Operations for Robert Half International Inc. (RHI), the world's first and largest staffing service specializing in the accounting, finance and information technology fields. RHI has more than 325 offices worldwide with Los Angeles locations in Westwood, Downtown LA, City of Industry, Long Beach, Torrance, Woodland Hills, Glendale, Westlake Village, Burbank and at LAX. For more information contact 1.800.803.8367 or visit www.rhi.com.