Reward & Recognition Ideas

Recognizing and rewarding employees can improve morale, productivity and attendance.

Recognizing and rewarding employees for a job well done will build loyalty and morale in any organization. The reward or recognition doesn't have to be expensive or involved. Any type of reward or recognition can have a major impact because many employees get little positive feedback from the people they work for.



There are simple ways to reward employees for a job well done.

Praising

According to the website Lifespy, the most effective way to praise someone is to make sure the praise is genuine. False praise can be easily detected. In addition, the praise should be specific and immediate. Catch an employee doing something right and immediately tell them about it.

For example, if an employee just negotiated a cheaper price for something the company needed, immediately say to him something like "John, you did a great job negotiating a 10 percent lower price for those supplies. I really appreciate what you did."

Nonfinancial Rewards

Nonfinancial rewards can have greater impact than simply giving an employee money for a job well done. Nonfinancial rewards could be the ability to work flexible hours, an unexpected day off, or introducing the employee to a senior executive in the company with positive words about the person, according to the website HR World.

Inviting an employee who works for you to a lunch is another reward to consider.

Recognizing

A boss should constantly seek to recognize employees who go the extra mile and do more than is expected. One way to recognize an employee is to pick one employee each month who has done the most to help the company. Give that person a plaque, special parking privileges and recognition in the company publication. According to the University of North Texas' Human Resource Department, there are more than a hundred ways to recognize someone. Give the person a trophy or plaque of recognition. Give them an extended lunch break or a personalized item with their name on it.

Training

Recognizing and rewarding employees is a critical skill all managers should learn. To train others in this skill, first pass out a questionnaire where trainees can assess how well they have recognized and rewarded in the past. Share examples of studies showing the dramatic impact recognizing and rewarding can have on employee performance. Have managers role play recognizing and rewarding fellow managers.

References

• Lifepsy: How to Praise an Employee
• HR World: 25 Ways to Reward Employees
• University of North Texas: 101 Ways to Recognize People

Resources

• Government of Alberta: 101 Ways to Appreciate, Praise, and Recognize