Inexpensive And Effective Reward And Recognition Programs
This is the eighth submission in an 11-week series on how to launch an employee engagement program. Last week I spoke about the creation of logo lockups and taglines. In this post I will discuss the importance of recognition and rewarding people.
It’s all about inspiring your people to change their behavior to support the strategic imperative for the company. It’s translating their commitment into real action. When behavior change and adoption has successfully occurred, the company should recognize them appropriately.
Sophisticated tactics include online gamification sites where you can display relevant content, messages, and leader boards showcasing their knowledge and skills for all to see and comment.
Simple - Not Costly Ideas
In terms of less costly ideas, one of the best tactics is peer-to-peer recognition and reward programs that are designed by fellow colleagues who recognize each other for doing a great job. An example might be giving all the employees personal postcards that they can write on and send to their colleagues when they see an action or behavior that is in support of the strategic initiative. Other ideas include contests and incentives, employee of the month programs, on- or -offline prizes and premiums, mystery customer recognition programs, employee of the month/year programs, special bonus pools, thank you notes from the president, special monthly coffee with senior management, etc. If budgets are tight consider these no-cost ideas: a pat on the back, a thank you note, a certificate and award that you can print off on your personal printer. They do take time but generally don’t cost a dime.
At the end of the day people like to be recognized and rewarded for their actions. Recognition should be transparent, authentic, and real and have some significance. Recognition should inspire pride, gratitude and appreciation.