Employee Reward Program: Ways to Recognize a Job Well Done

No one can deny the effect praise and recognition can have on people. Praise and rewards can do wonders to bolster an employee’s self-confidence and morale.

At the end of the day, an employee reward program is one of the greatest investments an employer can make.  The effects of this are far-reaching boosting confidence, camaraderie and the spirit of the whole work environment.

Employee Reward Program:  Beginning with Praise

When you praise someone, you let them know you’re aware of their hard work. You acknowledge they’ve put forth a great effort to accomplish something and you’re celebrating with them for their accomplishment.  The effects of this show that we don’t necessarily need to spend money to make someone feel valued and appreciated.

A Praise Worth Mentioning…

Don’t praise a worker merely to make them feel better, instead consider the following:

•   Be sincere in your praise. If your praise is insincere, you may be considered manipulative, and you don’t want to give that impression.

•    Give praise when it’s due. You cannot follow the old adage, “Better late than never,” when it comes to praising someone. Express your praise as quickly as you can when you see that someone has done something praiseworthy.

•    Be specific about your praise. Don’t merely say “Great job!”  The person will benefit from hearing what was so great about it.  Instead try something like “Your research paper was direct, to the point, and full of facts.”

•    Praise them in front of others. Giving someone a pat on the back in private may make a person feel good for a few minutes. Recognizing their contribution or success during a staff meeting will extend that good feeling into days, if not weeks.

There’s a double benefit to praising people in front of others: public praise may also encourage others to work harder as well.

Employee Reward Program that Delivers without Expense

Praise is not the only form of employee recogntion for a job well done.  An employee reward programs don’t have to cost a dime to achieve the praise and acknowledgement being sought out.  Here are some other ideas on how to show your employees just how much they are valued through heart-centered actions:

1.    Reduce their supervision. Some people are happier and do much better work when they’re allowed to work on their own. Giving an employee more freedom can be an excellent reward.

•    By giving your employees less supervision, you’re letting them know they’re trusted and you have confidence in their abilities.

•    If you truly trust your employee to do their work without supervision, allow them the flexibility to work from home on occasion. Of course, whether or not you can allow your employees to work at home will depend on the work they do.

2.    Give your team members who go above and beyond the call of duty a new title. Job titles don’t always have to mean more money. Sometimes receiving a title means more than getting a few more dollars in their paycheck. It shows that you’re pleased with their work.

3.    Publicly recognize people that do their job well. At your next staff meeting, present that person with a certificate. Create a bulletin board in the staff lounge that has photographs of the employee of the month to continue to recognize them for their good work.

4.    Encourage your team by giving them discount coupons to local businesses in your area. This could be a free movie and popcorn at the movie theater, reduced entrance at a family park, or a coupon for a free turkey around the holidays.

When employees feel like they matter, they’re much more willing to give their all for a company.

Use some of these ways to reward people for a job well done. Not only will your team enjoy their job and the workplace much more, but you’ll find they’re more productive as well.

Carry out an employee reward program and your company will ultimately reap the benefits not only in terms of dollar signs.  Such employee motivation will result in the creation of a work environment with heart, now who wouldn’t want that?

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