Rewards are a good way to boost employee motivation, although the success of this method will depend largely on the correct implementation of said rewards. While some rewards may lead to instant employee gratification, the long-term effects of employee recognition based on competition and results may undermine morale and community spirit within a company. Here are seven ways that rewards can be used correctly to boost employee motivation.
1. Don’t base rewards only on the monetary value
Although it’s tempting to reward employees with money, monetary compensation for exemplary work can backfire when employees begin to expect direct financial rewards for increased effort and results. Your staff will begin to expect increasingly higher amounts over time and will always link performance to money, as opposed to receiving affirmation and support that create a deeper sense of commitment amongst employees.
2. Set transparent and reasonable performance standards for rewards
Managers should ensure that the employees see the rewards as attainable to avoid a major drop in employee morale. Setting standards that are unreasonable will discourage employees from working hard because they already know that they cannot achieve the expected results. Consult your employees to determine whether they are comfortable with the standards that you have set and make room for employee input. Reasonable performance standards for rewards will motivate your employees to work hard while keeping in mind that their chances of being rewarded are not limited.
3. Don’t make everything a competition
Too many competitive events at work could easily become counterproductive as employees become embroiled in a war to succeed before coworkers. Corners will be cut and standards are forgotten in attempts to outperform other workers, all for the chance of winning items or monetary rewards. Ensure that employees are dedicated to achieving high standards in exchange for rewards and refrain from creating competitions around important tasks that are essential to the company’s functions, progress and success.
4. Recognize both small and large accomplishments
You should not only reward those employees that meet great goals as this will demoralize those that meet smaller milestones. Rewarding those meeting small milestones is an excellent way of encouraging them to continue working hard and aiming to achieve greater success. It also makes employees feel that their behavior is in line with the expectations of the company and that they are recognized for achievements in accordance with their abilities.
5. Ensure that employees understand how to earn rewards
It is the work of the manager to ensure that every employee understands what it takes to be rewarded. You should invite them to meetings where you will share with them the information on how they can earn rewards. This goes hand in hand with important company values such as transparency and communication. Employees that are left out of the loop will quickly become discouraged and disinterested – they may even look for greener grass elsewhere if they feel that they are continually being disadvantaged and ignored.
6. Provide rewards in time
You should not let your employees wait for long after they have achieved the desired goal. As soon as the desired goal has been reached, you should provide the reward that has been promised if you want your employees to be motivated towards performing their duties. The longer it takes for a reward to be delivered, the less impact it will have on both the employees and their willingness to achieve success in the future. If it is not possible to deliver the reward right away, consider providing a small gift, voucher or card to remind them that the reward is on its way.
7. Don’t disturb equal and fair standards
It wouldn’t make sense to reward employees for hours worked per month when you set up work schedules and decide who works the longest. Ensure that reward systems are fair and equitable to avoid disturbing important employee qualities such as performance, motivation and company loyalty. Employees often value company values more than monetary rewards and reward programs should always be reasonable and inclusive of all workers.
In conclusion, using rewards to boost employee motivation is a great technique that works for most companies. These seven methods can be used to ensure that rewards will boost employee motivation and ensure continued success both financially and in terms of employee satisfaction.
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- 7 Ways You Can Use Rewards to Boost Employee Motivation - July 12, 2018
