Recognising employee actions, efforts and accomplishments is a very significant way to motivate your workers to increase their achievement levels.
Bonuses are a common end-of-the-year way to recognise employee achievement. And while financial reward is a way to say thanks, it does have some disadvantages. Some
research proves that point. When the Wirthlin Worldwide organisation asked employees how they used their bonus money, it found the following:
- 29% paid bills
- 18% couldn’t remember where the money went
- 11% purchased gifts
- 11% purchased household items
- 11% put it in savings
Unfortunately, within a very short period of time, the employee may actually forget about the bonus. In any case, a few months down the line, the money is spent and no longer serves as a motivation.
Rewarding employees can be done in many other ways using just a little creativity. Here’s a list of some alternatives:
- Take the staff out to dinner.
- Take the employees to lunch and then give them the rest of the afternoon off.
- Allow employees to leave at noon on four Fridays during the year.
- Allow employees to come in late on four Monday mornings during the year.
- Go to a movie or play ten pinbowling.
- Recognise employee successes at any of the above events.
- Provide a certificate for dinner, a spa, a massage, entertainment, sporting events, bookstores, department stores, travel, cooking lessons, cultural events or a weekend at a nice hotel.
- Contribute to a charity or cause in the employee’s name.
Have a party for the kids – or nieces, nephews or grandchildren – of the employees.
Participating in community events is another option. While it does not specifically recognise employee achievement, it does let everyone know that the company is interested in the wellbeing of others and wants to be a good corporate citizen. In so doing, the employees can be proud of their company. Here are a few suggestions for community events:
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or animal wellfare shelter.
- Participate in a clean-up of a local area.
- Provide gifts for residents at a nursing home.
- Volunteer at a boys or girls club.
- Help build a Habitat for Humanity house.
- Ask your employees if they have any charities or causes they would like to help.
Whatever your decision, make sure that your employees feel that you value their participation and involvement in helping your organisation reach its goal. Let them know that you appreciate their efforts. After all, isn’t that the best holiday gift?