Most of us work because we have to place food on the table. Of course, there’s more to work than just money, and many individuals work because they find meaning in what they are doing. Some employees want to accelerate their careers with a good position that will look good on their resumes. Whatever their reasons may be, a business organization won’t be complete without a productive workforce that’s happy in their environment.
When it comes to managing a business, the general rule of thumb is that many the happier and more contented a workforce is, the more productive they are. This is one reason why many managers and company leaders want to incentivize employees other than paying them a good amount for their hard work. After all, there’s nothing more fulfilling than getting a reward from the upper management.
However, there are a variety of things and factors that you’ll need to keep in consideration. Although they might be happier, it’s still important to think things through what you’re going to reward them. Luckily, we’re here to help hold your hand on some crucial factors you can think about. Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Make Your Incentives Fun and Significant
First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure that some of your incentives are fun and practical to the needs of your employees. Each person in your workforce will have their own personality and personal preference. Got men in the office that like collecting good neckties and colognes? Is there someone in the office that’s about to get wed? You might want to consider this business-themed gifts shop that’s got everything that you need to inspire and motivate employees at your workplace.
It’s also important to note that you don’t have to give your employees gifts all the time. Sometimes, you can do this every month by recognizing an achievement by one employee or a whole team.
Money Isn’t Everything
Next, it’s important to remember that money isn’t everything when it comes to giving rewards. Remember: just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean that it will be effective. Think about it: rewarding people with watches that will cost around $400 to $500 will have the same effect as treating out the whole team to an eat-all-you-can buffet. That said, money isn’t everything when it comes to incentivizing your employees.
A reward that will help recognize their hard work will have the same effect no matter how much it will cost. You don’t necessarily have to spend that much when it comes to rewards. Most of the time, something as significant as a gift card or even a small bonus to their monthly salary can make everyone happy.
Recognition Is Key
Lastly, one of the most important aspects that can affect the happiness of employees is recognition. Let’s face it: everyone wants to get recognized for the hard work that they do. Most studies would say that employees who aren’t recognized will eventually leave a company.
Most experts would suggest having an award ceremony that will give employees recognition for different achievements that they’ve made for the company. This is an excellent way of boosting their morale and self-esteem, especially when the award they got is unique. If events like these are orchestrated effectively, then this will also motivate other hard-working employees to do better in their work.
If you are going to give out a notable reward, you must let other employees know. You’ll need to consider the possibilities and the effects of giving such incentives. Although you might be recognizing one employee for their hard work, you’ll also need to step back and think if there are other employees also doing the same thing. If you are going to single out someone, this might cause animosity among the group, especially if other employees are putting in the same time and effort for the work done.
You’ll need to consider a variety of things if you want to keep your employees happy. By bearing these factors into consideration, you can optimize your incentives program to its full potential. Not only will this increase the overall happiness of your employees, but they will work harder knowing that the company values them.
The bottom line here is that adding a bit of sincerity into your gifts and rewards can definitely go a long way. Instead of thinking of your employees as mere assets for your company, think that they are your friends and family instead. Remember: it’s the thought that counts, not how much you spend on these gifts.