How to Motivate Employees With Incentives
There are many incentives that can be used to motivate employees. Using incentives correctly can lead to higher productivity and enhanced job satisfaction. In order for incentives to be used correctly you must find out what motivates each employee. Everyone is not motivated by the same thing. With this knowledge you can set up an incentive-based mechanism designed to help employees reach and exceed their goals. When employees begin to hit their goals everyone benefits, including the employees, management and stockholders.
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Instructions
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Ask every employee what motivates them. Make a list of some possible motivating incentives including money, gift cards, cups, T-shirts, time off, trips, recognition and awards. Provide employees with a chance to place a check mark by those things most likely to motivate them. This form should then be turned in to management. Most employees will be motivated by one thing or another.
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Use as many incentives as possible. A variety of incentives will ensure everyone receives or has a chance to receive those things most likely to motivate them. It also creates excitement and creativity within the workplace.
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Establish a baseline goal for all employees. To receive the established incentives an employee must reach a certain predetermined target. This means they must reach a certain level such as the number of phone calls, amount of cash collected or number of sales closed in order to receive an incentive. A system such as this encourages employees to go beyond the status quo. Once the baseline goal is met the employee is awarded with an incentive. Another incentive is earned when a new level of achievement has been met.
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Incorporate a group incentive. Most people don't want to let the group down. Employees can receive individual incentives as well as group incentives. A group incentive can be awarded if the group as a whole hits a designated target, threshold or goal. This encourages team work.
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Tips & Warnings
Never forget the value of saying thanks for a job well done. Many employees want to be recognized in front of their peers.
Establish incentives for managers as well. This will ensure they are motivated to motivate their associates.
Set realistic, attainable goals. If the majority of employees cannot hit the incentives they may become discouraged.
References
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