Tom started LaSalle Network in 1998 (i.e. way before it was glamorous to start your own business at the age of 26).

After mortgaging his house so that he could afford his first two employees, Tom spent the next eighteen years—including nine in a row on INC’s 500/5000 lists—growing the LaSalle Network team to 150 strong. During this time, LaSalle weathered two recessions and the dot com boom without so much as a single layoff.

LaSalle Network is a staffing firm born out of Tom’s belief that the best work cultures start and end with a big heart: treating people not just fairly, but treating them well, and investing generously in their personal and professional growth. As an employer Tom has always strived to practice what he preaches, and we’d say he’s done a damn good job.

Tom shares 5 ways for companies with small budgets to invest in employee relationships and wellbeing:

1. You have to care. Don’t just hire people for their book of business. You actually have to like the people you’re working with.

2. Training and development. It doesn’t cost a lot of money. It is a serious time investment — and arguably the best investment you can make.

3. Laugh it up. We spend a third to half of our waking time working. People need to enjoy themselves on the job. If you need to get a joke book, get a joke book.

4. Creativity. Find new ways to get people excited about what goes on day-to-day. Celebrating small wins is a great place to start.

5. Bring your life to work. Work should feel like a part of people’s lives, not something to be kept separate. If you bring your life into the office, others will too.

For more about LaSalle Network, click here.

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FIVEinSIXTY is our web series with thought leaders whose stories provide insights and inspiration for the next generation of go getters—our own little brainchild outside the wide variety of videos we produce for our clients.