Non-monetary Rewards: 12 Ideas to Motivate & Recognize Employees
by Fernie Black
- Write a personalized thank you note – recognize ‘a job well done’ immediately
- Hand out a coffee/gift card or offer to take employee for coffee or lunch just because...
- Set up a program where colleagues also recognize each other – catch a co-worker doing something special and acknowledge that action and behaviour
- When on-boarding new hires be sure to treat them with care – put out the welcome mat in everything you do and take them for lunch within their first few days and again at the end of their probation
- Build in time for fun & relaxation – entrench it as a regular weekly not to be missed event (staff will make sure they’re in the office on Friday afternoon to participate!)
- Provide a space for employees to momentarily decompress and unwind; encourage on-going workplace camaraderie and laughter – a great stress reliever and good for the soul
- Establish a creative all staff rewards and recognition program that is linked to company values and/or core competencies – employees earn points towards services/products, earn entries for a draw, etc.
- Hold regular touch-base events - Town Hall Meetings with senior staff present to provide information and field questions (in good times and in bad)
- Encourage and model life balance – if it’s doable for the workplace, offer a flexible work schedule
- Offer opportunities for personal, professional and career development – mentoring program, stretch activities and multi-department project work that is challenging and/or of special interest, training opportunities, education reimbursement, internal hiring policy
- Recognize ‘winners’ publicly – in company newsletter, on intranet, via email and/or host an annual staff appreciation event
- Provide a formal letter of commendation from a senior manager – the President or Department VP
...and, whatever you do, do not offer only company logo products as rewards (in today’s culture that is generally not well received).
