Fun Things to Reward Employees
Your employees keep the company running day after day. To keep the best employees on staff, you need to recognize their work. Rewarding employees creates a positive work environment and inspires the staff to work harder. Most companies can't afford to send high achievers on an all-inclusive vacation or pay large bonuses, but even small rewards send the message that you value the employees.
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Colleague Recognition
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To create a sense of team within the office, set up a recognition area that allows employees to point out colleagues who perform well. A manager doesn't always see the hard work that employees put forth, but colleagues have a close working relationship that allows them to notice the efforts. Place slips of paper and a container in a common area of the office. Employees fill out a form to recognize a colleague. Once a week, gather the group and read the papers. For an additional reward, draw one name out of the container and give the employee the afternoon off. A bulletin board displaying all of the nominations provides further recognition.
Rewards from Managers
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Seeing a manager rewarding employees in person boosts morale and shows employees that their superiors care about them. Once a month, organize an event with managers providing a service or reward to employees. For example, have the managers stand at the parking lot entrance to wash employees' windshields as they arrive. Let the managers scoop ice cream for an ice cream social one afternoon, or have them serve coffee to employees. These rewards create a stronger connection between managers and employees. Staff members will see the managers as more human than they did previously.
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Employee Spotlight
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An employee spotlight gives each staff member a chance to be the star of the office. Designate a small bulletin board or display area as the employee spotlight area. Each week, place the photo of an employee on the board. Staff members write positive notes about the employee and post them around her photo. Another option is to invite the employee to post information about herself so colleagues get to know her beyond her work persona. Special privileges like a closer parking spot or a casual dress day during the week add to the reward of the program.
Have a Party
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Parties show appreciation to employees for personal and work-related achievements. Personal reasons to party at the office include an employee who is getting married or having a baby. Monthly birthday parties allow you to celebrate office birthdays. Reward parties for office achievements are also an option. For example, throw a party when you break your all-time sales record or at the completion of a large project. The party adds entertainment to the day while giving the employees a break. You don't have to plan an elaborate party. A simple cake and socialization time are enough. A potluck with each employee bringing a snack to share is another option for affordable food at the party.
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References
- Photo Credit Coffee Break image by Fotoskat from Fotolia.com
