Workplace of Choice

Similar to holiday shopping, there's no one stop shopping in Rewards & Recognition programs.  As you read on, think about what's going to work at your organization.  Use your imagination to create a program that will work for you. 

As you develop the program, there are a couple of questions you'll want to answer:

• What goals do you want the program to reinforce?
• Which employees is the program targeted at?
• What are the key measures for reward?
• What are appropriate rewards?
• How will you communicate the program and recipients?

The most common types of programs to consider are:

• Peer reward program - This type of program is designed so that coworkers and colleagues nominate peers for recognition.  Typically a person in senior leadership makes the ultimate selection from these nominations, however it can also be designed so that peers also vote on the finalists (akin to American Idol).
• Nomination/Selection Committee - This type of program can be designed so that a group of supervisors, coworkers or a combination of both make nominations.  It can also be designed so that another group, such as the peers, makes nominations and this committee is the one making the final selection. 
• Incentive program - Typically designed to drive sales and retain customers, an incentive program is  a less objective program where rewards are given designed based on meeting and achieving pre-set goals, quotas or objectives.
• Online programs - Online incentive programs are gaining popularity and can be customized to meet the organization's goals of the program.   There are a variety of different programs and many can be customized to meet your goals.

Types of Rewards - The list is endless of what can be considered a reward.  Again, be creative.  Think about the employees and what would be valued by them. 

• Cash - Who doesn't like a little extra money in their pocket?  While employees will often state they want cold hard cash, giving money can get buried in with their regular compensation and the R&R program may be less effective in reinforcing behaviors.  If you decide to go the cash route, think about how you can separate out the cash reward from regular pay.
• Non-cash rewards - Creating opportunities that might not otherwise be available can be desirable to employees such as offering flexible work time, a prime parking space, training or an extra day off.  Non-cash rewards can also be as simple as a thank you note from a top executive or recognition at a company meeting.
• Gift cards/gift certificates - gift cards are typically the most common type of corporate reward.
• Merchandise - Company logo merchandise will further enforce loyalty to the company. 
• Trophy or award - a visual keepsake of the company's appreciation can be a reminder for months to come.
• Travel - Employees will remember a trip long after the reward is over.
• Experiential - These types of rewards can range from hosting a company pizza party to sending people on elaborate experiences such as tickets to a sporting event or day of sailing lessons.

Developing a program that effectively rewards and recognizes employees can be equally powerful for the company and the employee.  We'd love to hear about your Reward & Recognition and successes or failures.