Motivation doesn't have to be strictly monetary. Show your natural retail employees that you appreciate them every day with these 10 tips.

1. Be generous with discounts.

Store savings of 25 percent to 30 percent are the norm. Debra’s Natural Gourmet also gives team members $7 daily to spend on food from the store and a small weekly amount to encourage trying new products.

2. Consider benefits for part-timers.

Pharmaca offers benefits to employees at 24 hours a week, a lower threshold than the typical 32 hours. Permanent part-timers at Rebecca’s get health coverage and vacation time.

3. Kick in for continuing ed.

Rebecca’s, Pharmaca and other stores pay partial fees for employees who want to attend herb school or the like.

4. Send staff to industry events.

At events such as Natural Products Expo West and East, team members get excited and educated about trends in the natural products industry.

5. Host contests and raffles.

At Pharmaca, vendors such as Dr. Hauschka and HerbPharm offer incentives to top sellers. Wildberries Marketplace raffles gift certificates to local businesses monthly.

6. Support volunteer time.

Debra’s Natural Gourmet staffers can support favorite causes in the store; for example, giving free pet toys to people who’ve just adopted from the Humane Society. Wildberries Marketplace in Arcata, Calif., pays employees for 16 hours of nonprofit
work per year.

7. Sponsor local events.

Working to support local food producers or non-GMO events are great opportunities to stoke your team’s passion and connect
with the community.

8. Distribute free samples.

It’s a great way to empower the whole staff to feel confident about recommending products.

9. Give presents.

This winter, Debra’s Natural Gourmet gave all staffers a cold and flu kit to get them more familiar with homeopathy—and hopefully keep them well.

10. Sing “Happy Birthday.”

Along with a cake, these celebrations—including singing on the floor—are a favorite tradition at Rebecca’s. Off-site holiday and summer gatherings are also popular.