While many employers often offer compensation such as bonuses, stock options or other forms of monetary reward, it is possible to reward and motivate employees in a healthy way that does not involve money.

Feedback

Providing positive feedback is a healthy way to motivate employees. Positive feedback can give employees a sense of accomplishment and create good feelings regarding themselves and their employer. Employees who have been given positive feedback are more likely to adopt a positive attitude and work according to this positive outlook. This can, in turn, create a positive atmosphere in the workplace that can be contagious for all employees.

Food

The way to a worker's heart is through his stomach. Having a weekly or biweekly appreciation dinner or lunch for employees can create a sense of loyalty and gratitude among workers. The meal does not necessarily have to be an expensive catered affair, but having a get together at regular intervals can boost employee morale. On a weekly basis, bringing in healthy soups and salads can increase employee productivity and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Happiness

An employer who focuses on employee happiness can not only motivate employees, but also provide them with a greater sense of well-being in the long run. Inc. magazine notes the approach of Zappos.com Inc. and its approach to employee compensation and well-being. Zappos actually pays its employees lower salaries than what is considered market value in their industry, but the company pays for 100 percent of its employees' health care costs, contributing to both employee health and happiness.

Lifestyle

Promotion of a healthy lifestyle is another healthy way to motivate employees. Large companies sometimes provide an on-site health club facility or gym equipment for employees to use before or after work. Providing employees with an additional 30 minutes of paid time in the employee gym can inspire healthy living and promote employee well-being. Paying for employee gym memberships at a local gym can also be a cost-effective alternative to having an on-site facility.