A mission statement helps employees know what is expected of them, and can sometimes serve as a source of inspiration. Recognize your employees contributions. Write a note when an employee does a good job. Praise employees publicly when possible. Recognizing employees for their work boosts their performance more than any other measure.
Communication is critical.
Let your employees know how the company is doing, how their department is doing and how they are doing. One business owner decided it was in the company's best interest for employees to know such information as how much it costs when a person is absent and someone else has to be brought in to fill the vacancy, and the cost per minute when a machine breaks down. Solicit their opinions and encourage them to help shape ideas. People support their own ideas. Don't breathe down your employees' necks.