Job satisfaction is at a 22-year low. Employees are being stretched thin to make up for lay-offs, with no guarantees that they won’t suffer the same fate. How can you keep your employees happy in such difficult circumstances?

Inc. Magazine’s 25 Ways to Jumpstart your Business suggests building a culture of employee satisfaction. Most managers assume that workers would prefer to be recognized for a job well done with cash bonuses. While most people wouldn’t turn their nose up to some extra cash, don’t underestimate the power of a simple pat on the back. You don’t need to give out “employee of the month” plaques: Just let them know that you see the work that they’re doing, and you appreciate it. Pass word of their accomplishments up the management change. Even a simple handwritten note shows your employees that you took time out of your busy schedule to take note of their work.

The bottom line is that people want to feel important, wanted, and needed. A simple “good job!” can do wonders on morale.