Employee rewards and recognition are tools an employer can use in efforts to improve productivity and retain employees. The recognition can be for a specific achievement or for an employee's more general aspects, such as work attitude. Rewards and recognition are important to employees, and according to Don Jacobson at GovLeaders.org, the more often employees get rewards and recognition, the better. Employee rewards and recognition can come in different forms.
Verbal Praise
Supervisors are often in a good position to provide praise to employees for jobs well done. The praise can be immediate feedback to the employee, which can reinforce good behavior. This praise for a "job well done" is personal, too, in that in comes from someone the employee knows. Also, there is no cost for this type of recognition.
Non-Cash Awards
Employees can be rewarded with cash, of course, but there are non-cash awards that can be meaningful to employees. While cash awards can be more costly to an organization, non-cash awards can be less expensive and yet provide a way to reward employees and improve morale. Ideas for non-cash awards include certificates, which can be framed. This allows an employee to hang the certificate on a wall at work or at home. Items such as coffee cups, pens and mouse pads can be imprinted with an organizational logo and be used as a non-cash award. Time off is another non-cash award, although there may be costs associated with this because of the need to have others fill in to get work completed.
Awarding Ceremonies
An employer can give an award in the privacy of the employee's cubicle, but if the award is given in front of the recipient's peers, this act can be in itself a way to ensure that others recognize the employee's performance. This recognition by peers can help motivate employees to perform well, and it can be used to meet employee retention goals.
Employee of the Month
A particular wall can be used to highlight employees who are deserving of praise and recognition. This could be recognition for the "employee of the month," although other time frames such as weeks can be used. The employee's picture can be displayed in the spot of honor, helping to ensure that peers recognize the achievement. This award could also be used in conjunction with a non-cash award, helping to reinforce to positive behavior.
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