Reward and recognition should be individualized to be effective. What motivates one team (or person for that matter) won’t be as effective for another. It’s worth the effort to find what motivates each of your people. Further, consider that not all employees appreciate a public display of recognition. It’s equally as important to find out HOW they like to be recognized in addition to learning WHAT type of rewards motivate them. Asking these questions in the form of a survey is a very effective method to gather the intel you need.
Reward and recognition doesn’t have to be expensive! In fact, sometimes it’s the most basic forms of appreciation that make the biggest difference. When crafting your rewards and recognition programs, also consider what is in-line with your company values. Some types of rewards will map directly back to your company culture. And the way you recognize your employees should line up too.
Here are 10 effective and FREE ways to recognize your employees:
- A sincere “thank you” and handshake face-to-face.
- Write a personal note specifying exactly what the employee did that you want to recognize.
- Recognize a job well done in a meeting or get others involved in applauding the great work.
- Send a shout-out around in your company’s blog, private social site or other public social media channel.
- Mention an employee’s success story in a presentation, webinar or even in the company newsletter.
- Give a long lunch, an extra break or a get-out-of-work-free day.
- Offer a stretch goal or even let an employee take on a more managerial role—like a team lead.
- Arrange for the CEO or other top manager to stop by and say, “Great job on _________!”
- Offer extra flexibility or more chances to work from home if desired.
- Create a “Wall of Fame” or white board where you display what employees do that’s extraordinary.
