How to discourage your employees

Most of this is so obvious that it's not done at software companies, except for one, awards. A soon as a company gets large enough to have an HR dept., out come the awards. Then they have an all hands meeting to explain the huge new motivator. Then a monthly meeting with speeches and a few $25 Visa gift cards.<p>Here's what I do. If someone does a good job, give something to his team, a movie, lunch, something like that. If an individual does a really good job, give him/her an on the spot bonus, no ceremony or publicity.<p>The morale booster is success of he team, project, company. Of course I speak of companies that I would want to work for. I have no idea what happens at banks and insurance companies.

Ugh, I hate to be 'that guy' but this is such obvious link bait.. these rules don't really tell me anything insightful.

You know, I read things like this and don't believe that it actually happens this way. At the very least, it can't possibly be this way in companies/organizations whose primary purpose is to develop things. Right? RIGHT?

What's with all the non-programming related links today? Weekend?

You want to discourage your employees?<p>Promise them huge bonuses at the end of the year if they exceed expectations and give them none blaming it on the crisis.

Another one is salary freeze.<p>If my only motivation to work is not being fired, then I´ll do the minimum required to stay employed.<p>That's also called the slacker principle.