(They don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.)
One of the simplest and most memorable rewards I ever received from a company was a single carnation with a quick, personally written, “Thank you” on a card. Everybody in that office knew when they saw a carnation on someone’s desk, they were celebrating an employment anniversary. Most importantly, you knew that the company’s President knew because that’s who delivered the carnation. That was in 1990, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
How about a quick, hand written note to someone that says, “Job well done!” It doesn’t even have to be from a boss to an employee. (Employees—how many times have you thanked your boss for a job well done or for their support and encouragement? Don’t forget, they’re people, too!) So many things come at us so quickly each day that we often forget the basic courtesies of life like “please” and “thank you.” Even a smile during a hectic day or in the middle of a stressful project can make a big difference.
Other ideas for inexpensive rewards:
- An extra ½ hour for lunch
- Lunch or breakfast with your employee(s)
- Gold stars
- A pat on the back (in front of their coworkers!)
The most important thing to remember with a rewards or recognition program is sincerity. The program doesn’t have to be complicated or cost an arm and a leg; it does need to be from the heart!
As we slide into a new year of post-pandemic work bliss, I have two additional thoughts about rewards in the workplace:
- I truly believe a good part of the Great Resignation can be slowed down by working on culture. People no longer want to work in a toxic environment. That was one of the reasons I started HR Resolutions back in 2005. I didn’t like how I, personally, was treated nor did I like how the employees were being treated. I had the good fortune to be able to move on. Had rewards and recognition been part of the culture? I might not have left.
- While the adage holds: “Praise in public, criticize in private,” please remember, not everyone likes to be publicly recognized. You don’t want to do a good thing (recognize someone) and a bad thing (embarrass them in front of their peers).
What are your thoughts? What’s been your favorite gift or recognition in your past? What are you doing today in your organization?
