There are severa reasons an employer might consider rewarding an employee!

1. Acknowledge outstanding performance

2. Motivation to continue high level performance

3. Create a positive work culture

4. Keep your top talents

5. Develop employee growth

6. Improve engagement

7. Create a sense of responsibilty

8. Align goals

I will expand each item in time. Check back soon!

It's easy to offer rewards for tangible or significant events in life, a touchdown ... a goal shattered ... new clients, etc...  But, what about the small things that often go unnoticed. If you step back for a moment and observe, an I mean really look at your employees, you may see some remarkable attributes that you just might find worthy of rewarding from time to time. This isn't the person who smiles at the customers nicely, no it's more than that. If you're customer facing, you should always have a smile! No, this is about the employee that goes above and beyond and does it consistently. Your recognition goes a long ways by showing appreciation for something more than the expectation. Why settle for the rule, when you can rise above and beyond it. Good customer service is expected, treating them like they are the only customers on Earth is what sets your company ahead of the rest.

There are many inexpensive ways to recognize superior intangible traits such as a paper weight or an engraved pen. Believe me, you will not collapse your company into financial ruin, but you just might encourage this superior behavior and when properly recognized, it may become contagious! Certificates end up in a folder, desk drawer or trash can, so you will want to give something with meaning, with style and purpose. If you can't afford an all out raise, then give a gift!

There are many companies, large and small that have put it into overdrive during this 2020 pandemic, election, problem-infested year. Positions have been eliminated to save costs which, in-turn, makes the work harder for those "lucky" enough to keep their jobs. Simply working 9 to 5 is a thing of the past as work from home tends to keep the employees working well past quiting time. There is more demanded and the employees are working harder than ever, it's as simple as that.

If you are not worried about retention during these times, you should be. Loyalty is still a cherished concept amongst your workers and this is what makes them work so hard for you, but it has to go both ways. They need to feel that you appreciate them for their hard work, their attendance, their extra-mile working, special achievements, self-improvement, exceeding expectations, etc... 

Saying Thank You, Pat on the Back, Shaking a Hand are all essential and does wonders for the employees that want to know if you even notice their work. Unfortunately, these are the intangible things that fade pretty quickly. In the next several entries, I want to focus on other means of recognition and how they can motivate your employees without breaking the budget!