Over the course of time, the business world has realised a need to introduce incentive programs within the workplace. Incentives are used to motivate and increase performance of employees and in the long run benefit the company with the results it returns.
We’ve all heard of Employee of the month schemes, whereby an individual is rewarded for either meeting their targets or outstanding service during a set period; however this type of reward program can in fact be more harmful than rewarding; by way of introducing an air of favouritism within a work place and consequently alienating the employee who earned their reward.
However, Employee recognition programs have now been introduced in order to reward fairly without discrimination. An effective employee recognition program should be obtainable by any member of staff no matter how big their role within the company.
Reward schemes work simply to reinforce good practices, actions or behaviours in the workplace which benefit the company as a whole. Rewards should be immediate again reinforcing the positives. This method of employee recognition boosts moral and motivation to hit targets. Outstanding performance by employees can also be rewarded in this manner, for example where an employee has gone beyond the requirement of their position for the benefit of the company.
Recognition programs can also work beyond the boundaries of the company walls, rewarding other organisations for their contribution in meeting targets for your company such as delivery or manufacturing within deadlines.
There are many ways in which a company can reward an employee, even simple gestures such as a hand written note from a director, manager or supervisor, acknowledging an achievement can make a person feel appreciated within their role and more inclined to excel. It is proven that positive actions promote a positive attitude.
There is a growing trend nowadays to reward staff with something a little different; this can be a voucher for a meal, a cash incentive or something similar. However some organisations are choosing to reward staff by giving corporate gifts or experience days.
Similarly experience days are used more and more in team building events, adventure days or outdoor pursuits which require team work are a fantastic way of integrating people within a company who in a normal setting would not communicate with each other. This again reinforces positive influences within a company.
Employee recognition is purely a way of making staff feel valued for their input, indorsing ongoing commitment to their role within the organisation and therefore loyalty.
Incentives have been used for many years within the area of sales, sales staff have always had to meet sales targets in order to increase growth of business and sustainability, as well as maintaining a client base. In order to meet these goals, it was found that by rewarding goals met, an employee would be more motivated and actively involved to achieve the target.
Areas which certainly benefit from a well structured employee recognition program are sales, productivity and loyalty. These areas essentially are the basis of any growing company or organisation and thus recognising these qualities in employees will in ultimately reward for the organisation as a whole. It is said that you only get out of life what you put into it; this too applies in the world of business. We all seek approval for what we do, so being recognised for our achievements however big or small is the same as a well earned pat on the back!
Anna Stenning researches how Employee Recognition programs within the workplace boost morale and increase productivity.
