In every business, a little appreciation goes a long way. It is important for all businesses to have a strategic reward system which addresses these four areas: compensation, benefits, recognition and appreciation. Employees should be recognised and rewarded based on performance and behaviour.
Creating a rewards system for your team is an effective way to keep them engaged, happy, loyal, and motivated. The key however is consistency.
Here are 10 great ideas for rewarding and appreciating employees (that aren’t cash) that will make your employees feel recognised and help your business to grow.
1. Lunch at their Favourite Restaurant
A great way to say ‘Thank You’ and show your employees that they are valued is to celebrate their accomplishments by treating them to lunch at their restaurant of choice. Good food is always appreciated!
2. Tech Accessories like Airpods, Bluetooth Speakers or a Fitness Tracker
Choose a tech accessory that is modern and fits with the personality of the recipient. Tech accessories are extremely useful and many times are thoughtful gifts which employees may desire but not necessarily buy for themselves.
3. Personalised office stationery, mugs
Stationery is a big deal at work! Make employees feel special by gifting them with personalised or monogrammed pens, notepads, journals, mugs or other office essentials.
4. Personal Note of Recognition from the Boss
Receiving a well-designed and sincere thank you note from the head of the organisation can boost employee motivation and increase overall job satisfaction. A letter of appreciation from the highest level lets employees know that their hard work is recognised and valued.
5. Attend a Conference of their Choice
Continuous and free access to professional development opportunities matter to employees. Conferences are great ways for employees to learn about innovations and current practices in their respective industries as well as network with colleagues in their field.
6. Gym Membership
Good mental health goes hand in hand with physical health. Reward employees with a gym membership from a one month paid subscription to a yearly subscription depending on your annual budget.
7. Spa Day/Treatment
Give employees the gift of being pampered! Nothing says ‘I appreciate you’ quite like a massage or an indulgent day at the spa.
8. Time Off
Paid Time Off (PTO) is one of the best ways to reward employees. Time is the most valuable resource and employees will appreciate the extra time off. PTO can include full days, weekends or just a few extra hours off the day to come in late or leave work early. Consider implementing perks for hardworking employees like ‘Lazy Morning Mondays’ or ‘Half Time Fridays’ to allow employees to maximise their weekends.
9. Weekend Staycation at the Hotel/Resort of their Choice
A staycation at a world class resort or hotel is the ultimate way to show employees that they are highly valued. Employees can get the perks of travelling without all the stress allowing them to return to work relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to succeed!
10. Catered Team Lunches
A great way to team build and improve office morale is to treat the entire office or specific teams to a delicious lunch on the company. Go a step further than the usual ‘pizza parties’ or basic catering and create new experiences with your team. Hire a local food truck, have an office BBQ or even hire a private chef to cook for the team at a villa.
Make rewarding and appreciating employees an integral part of your organisational culture and you will build a robust and motivated team that you can depend on.
