In late May I blogged about our Corporate Gifts including our tailored gift service. I touched on employee incentive and recognition programs and today I wish to continue that conversation. Good employers engage in incentive and recognition programs in order to motivate and retain quality staff. There are a number of reasons for wanting to motivate staff but first let's break down exactly what incentive and recognition programs are as they are often confused.

INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
The principle aim of an incentive program is to promote a specific selling activity that will result in increased "Cha Ching!" sounds at the register. If you want to motivate employees to do a specific task over a short period of time, for example increase the number of widgets sold, you would need to incentivise them with a point system for every set sold. When they reach a pre determined set of points they receive a cash or non cash reward.
Incentive programs can increase performance by 44% in teams and 25% in individuals*.Generally incentive programs motivate staff to sharpen their customer service skills which contributes to improved sales.


RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
If you want to create a corporate environment that continually motivates, generates enthusiasm, fosters loyalty and increases overall productivity then an ongoing recognition program is most appropriate. Recognition programs generate a psychological benefit AFTER a specific action or behavior has occurred. Recognition programs are designed to put the spotlight on well deserving employees both on a personal and public level. Corporate values should be reflected in the work of employees that receive recognition rewards. Good help is hard to find, keeping good help is even harder to do so if your goal is to increase retention and overall productivity then an effective recognition program will do the trick.

HR MUMBO JUMBO?
I hear you asking why you would bother engaging an incentive or recognition program. Employee motivation is the short answer. There are so many distractions in the work place these days especially with the advent of the internet and social media that it's a wonder any work gets done at all!

KEY ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS
As stated an effective incentive or recognition program motivates employees to work more diligently thus contributing to productivity levels. Regardless of the type of motivational program your company engages there are a few guidelines that will ensure its success.

KISS
The program must be simply and succinctly explained to employees, so follow the time tested advise and keep it simple stupid! If employees don't understand the program how are they supposed to act upon it? Complicated rules and regulations can bring even the best programs undone. Achievable and clearly defined goals will increase staff participation rates and propel momentum.

KEEP ON TRUKIN'
Programs must be ongoing as this clearly demonstrates a level of commitment from management as well as maximising staff participation rates.


FRESH IS BEST
The type of program you engage in must be exciting, relevant and contemporary. You don't want to run the risk of demotivating staff - that would be a disaster. The best programs continually evolve and change, bringing an element of surprise to the workplace. As soon as a particular reward is expected by an employee the psychological effect is diminished.



CASH v's NON CASH
There has been much debate about the effects of cash versus non cash rewards. Obviously different people are motivated by different outcomes so what's best? Cash awards work best for short term goals that seek to increase tangible outcomes. However, cash rewards get lost in the overall remuneration package and therefore forgotten or taken for granted. Cash rewards can become expected thus losing significance. Further to this there is no 'trophy' value in cash; this is important as rewards must satisfy the need for public recognition and boost the ego.

Non cash awards are most suited to non tangible goals where the employer seeks to improve motivation, loyalty or general corporate culture. Non cash rewards recognise employee efforts in a personal way; they demonstrate to the employee that the employer recognises them a humans, not just a number! It's a great opportunity to connect with employees thus strengthening relationships. Giving an employee a personalised gift that is relevant and meaningful to them significantly increases the positive impact of the reward. Quite literally it's the thought or message behind the gift that counts.

Giving a mass produced gift with a company logo emblazoned all over it is hardly relevant to an individual; these kinds of rewards only serve to make the employee feel half acknowledged. The reward must be appropriate to the employee's output and position. Cheap and cheerful gifts will not be appreciated however extravagant gifts can generate jealousy amongst peers. The reward/s on offer must most importantly be desired and valued by employees. This is why tailored corporate gifting has become an effective method of rewarding staff. 


 
BOULE SET $66                                  BBQ COOKBOOK $24.95   BBQ TOOLS AND APRON $49.95 

Giving personalised gifts demonstrates that the employer recognises that the employee is not just a numbe and has a life outside of work. It's all about nuturing successful employer and employee relationships!

GET CREATIVE
Often in slow economic times rewards and incentives are the first thing to be cut. Can you really afford to do this? By cutting out rewards you are also going to cut levels of motivation, moral, loyalty and ultimately productivity which will result in decreased sales. When times get tough, get creative! Take the time to personally thank your staff. Better yet, thank them over a few friday afternoon drinks at the office. Inexpensive and personal can work a treat - you just have to take the time to do it! 

* (Incentive, Motivation and Workplace Performance Study, by International Society of Performance Improvement)