10 Creative ways to reward and recognize employees
Rewards and recognition feel great and trigger you to do even better the next time. On the other hand, you know how discouraging it can be, and if you have ever worked with an organization that does not offer acknowledgment, then you will know it for sure. You are not motivated to put in the same effort for the future without that “thank you.” Workers are ready to quit their jobs if finally, they can be at least a little bit recognized. Every employee wants and deserves rewards and recognition for a job well done; otherwise, it may have a direct impact on their motivation to stay with a company and the atmosphere of the workplace. Regretfully, employees are now not receiving enough appreciation and are dissatisfied with what they do receive. Only 35% of workers receive monthly or weekly recognition, according to quantum research. Half of these workers want their efforts to be given more credit. According to a Workhuman poll, over half of workers said they felt their company valued them only a little (46.4%) or not at all (10.7%).
Why is this a cause for concern?
Employees who feel unappreciated are twice more likely than their colleagues to indicate they will be leaving the company in a year, according to Gallup. It means, in fact, that a really large cost arises for the company, as the replacement of an employee might be up to twice the amount of his wage.
Businesses with recognition initiatives do better.
Programs for employee rewards and recognition are linked to several advantages, such as higher production and engagement among staff members, which combined improve the bottom line. According to one study, rewards and recognition increase the likelihood of excellent work by 18 times. It’s obvious to understand how the act of rewards and recognition alone may boost the bottom line when you have data like this.
More proof needed?
Take a look at these statistics if you’re still not convinced of the value of employee rewards and recognition:
- People are retained by recognition.
- TINYpulse data shows that just 12.4% of workers who feel appreciated for their hard work have interviewed for a job in the past three months, compared to 21.5% of workers who don’t.
- Trust and a feeling of purpose are increased through recognition.
- 66% of those on teams that receive high acclaim strongly agree with the statement, “I trust the colleagues with whom I work on a regular basis,” according to a Gallup poll. Only 26% of workers who don’t get team-based praise have faith in their coworkers.
- Over 50% of members of recognized teams strongly agree that they “share information, knowledge, and ideas openly.”
They “have the feeling that what [they are] doing at work is valuable and useful,” according to 74% of respondents who think their team receives rewards and recognition.
10 ingenious ways to honor and commend workers
Have you ever experienced someone genuinely appreciating your efforts? Isn’t it wonderful? That’s precisely why rewards and recognition are so crucial. When workers feel appreciated, they give their all at work, maintain their motivation, and genuinely love what they do.
But let’s face it, cliched thank-you notes and “Employee of the Month” awards aren’t working anymore. It’s time to make gratitude enjoyable, significant, and memorable!
So, how do you bestow rewards and recognition that are truly meaningful?
Here are 10 rewards and recognition methods to make work seem fulfilling and to show your staff some love.
- Write a note by hand
Antiquated? Perhaps. For some reason, handwritten notes are more caressing than digital messages. Take a few minutes to write a sincere thank-you note, focusing on their effort and letting them know how appreciated they are. These plain acts of rewards and recognition mean a lot, with little effort having great effects. Make funny certificates of employee recognition everyone likes to have something to brag about. Create a special employee appreciation certificate with a catchy title, like “Spreadsheet Wizard” or “The Coffee-Fueled Powerhouse.”
- Make amusing certificates of employee recognition
Everyone enjoys having a little bragging rights. Create a unique employee appreciation certificate and give it a catchy title, such as “Spreadsheet Wizard” or “The Coffee-Fueled Powerhouse.” Give them a cause to flaunt it, frame it, and make it special. Make rewards and recognition feel unique by using an internet template if you’re not good at designing.
- Present a plaque of recognition
Employees occasionally merit a degree of recognition that lasts—literally. A plaque that is personalized with their name, accomplishment, and business logo leaves a lasting impact. This is a tried-and-true method of rewards and recognition for their hard effort, whether it’s for five years of dedication or finishing a big project.
- In meetings, public shout-outs
There is an effect that being recognized in front of a team has. When an employee goes beyond their duty, don’t be shy to show your gratitude: let the whole team know! Recognition can have an impact whether it takes the form of a nod in stillness during a meeting or a formal awards ceremony. You must make sure you can gauge their comfort levels, as some like to be in the spotlight while others would prefer some backdoor approach to rewards and recognition.
- Establish a peer-to-peer recognition system
Not only do the top employees deserve recognition but rewards and recognition should also come from colleagues. A peer-to-peer recognition system, such as a shout-out board or an application to provide each other appreciation, instills a grateful culture. When workers begin to recognize one another for their achievements, it is the entire team that benefits.
- Provide unexpected leave
Imagine receiving a surprise email at the end of a demanding week that says, “You’ve been amazing—take the afternoon off!” That rewards and recognition strategy will be well-received by staff members. Time is precious, and a no-meetings Friday or a random half-day off is a token of gratitude.
- Highlights on Social Media
Do you want to accept praise and awards outside of the workplace? Give staff members a shout-out on Instagram or LinkedIn! Highlighting their accomplishments, work, or even interesting information about them gives them a sense of value and showcases your business’s wonderful culture.
- Provide experience-based incentives
Let’s face it: An additional generic gift card isn’t that interesting. Instead, give staff members unforgettable experiences as a reward. Tickets to a concert, a weekend getaway, adrenaline activities, or perhaps a treatment at a spa can make rewards and recognition even more exciting and meaningful.
- Establish a wall of honor
A straightforward yet powerful method of showcasing your best performers is to create a virtual or actual Employee Wall of Fame. Include a summary of their greatest accomplishments, a witty description, and their photographs. To keep things interesting and fun, add some oddball honors like “Office Plant Whisperer” or “Best Team Cheerleader.” A little fun should always accompany rewards and recognition!
- Let workers select their incentives
Different types of rewards and recognition are valued by different people. While some people adore more paid time off, others may desire a new device, prospects for professional advancement, or perhaps a donation made in their honor. Rewards and recognition become more meaningful and personal when a “pick your reward” system is offered.
Concluding
While a mere “thank you” is appreciated, genuine rewards and recognition ought to go further. Workers want to feel appreciated in ways that are meaningful to them. The important thing is to be genuine and make showing gratitude a regular part of your working culture, whether it takes the form of handwritten notes, public kudos, or innovative benefits. Because a contented team is ultimately a productive team!
At UNLEASH, we bring you the latest trends and insights on workplace culture, employee engagement, and effective HR strategies to help organizations create a thriving work environment.