Insecurity in a job does not always lead to higher performance due to fear of firing. Now is an opportune time to implement a solid employee recognition program to encourage performance and inprove morale. The following article explains why it is important and how to implement.
So you think the unemployment rate is enough to motivate current employees to perform? Think again.
Employees are more unsure about the stability of their current jobs than in decades. The result can be increased workplace anxiety and spiraling employee morale. Simultaneously, managers are being pressured to increase efficiencies and lower costs.
Smart companies are working harder to create positive environments for their employees, where they feel appreciated and secure. As a Manager, it is wise to deflect doubts by running an employee recognition program that binds rewards to performance. If properly developed and implemented, your program will go a long way to overcome employee morale problems and increase performance.
Employee recognition ideas
Below are some ideas for employee recognition programs:
Activate a points-based rewards program, where managers can award points based on meeting performance goals. RewardTrax.com is one of the premier employee rewards and sales incentives options here because this program allows participants to choose between millions of items, vacation packages and event tickets.
Publicly recognize and present awards at scheduled town hall meetings or other monthly gatherings. Also, announce winners on intranet home pages and/or monthly company newsletters.
Designate prime parking spaces (with their name painted at the edge of the space) every month for “Performers of the month.”
Have high profile executive take rewarded employee and three associates he/she chooses to lunch.
Steps to successful employee recognition programs
The following steps are intended as a guide for the development and implementation of your employee recognition program.
Gather a team to brainstorm for program/s (consider including corporate/internal promotions experts to participate, i.e. Incentive Solutions, Inc.)
Build a budget for all initiatives to support the program, including marketing materials development, employee rewards, as well as staff hours and/or 3rd party vendor costs.
Remember, it might make sense to outsource some of the graphic design rather than disrupt personnel from their core tasks. Get budget approval.
Announce the program. Don’t skimp and don’t let up – communicate in an ongoing campaign to maximize awareness, participation and success.
Track results and publicize them where appropriate. Employees get excited about programs that help their company succeed – it makes them feel like they are contributing and more secure about the company’s stability.
Finally, adjust your program based on results and feedback and start the process again with a fresh campaign.
Concluding thoughts
It is important to stay in tune with employee morale and performance. Implementing employee recognition programs is a great way to learn about employee motivations, and reward them for increasing their performance. In the end, employees will feel more appreciated, more secure and more motivated. And, your company will benefit - bottom line.
If you would like to get ideas on how to run employee recognition programs and rewards programs at your company, simply contact me.
