The Right Way To Reward

Many workers are feeling left out and unappreciated at work as organizations cut incentives. Here's how to avoid bad morale and poor productivity:

Four free ways to show staff they're appreciated:
1) Offer a sincere thank you. Do it verbally, or better yet, write a personal note to thank an employee for a job well done.
2) Ditch trash and trinkets. If you're offering material rewards, make them items staff will really appreciate. rather than throw-aways that will end up in the trash.
3) Give the gift of time. Your staff will really appreciate time off to catch up on errands or recharge after wrapping up a time-intensive projects
4) Foster an environment of inclusiveness. Communicate regularly with employees; share information and ask for feedback and ideas.

OR alternatively consider *Performance Enhancers (source: PWC's Poll2010)* - What workers want in the absence of a pay raise:
- Cash bonus for work on a particular project (90%)
- Gift cards (89%)
- A couple of days of extra annual leave (89%)
- Technology gift ie iPod Nano, digital camera, etc (80%)
- Lunch with family or friends paid for by the employer (68%)
- Being 'fast-tracked" for promotion (67%)
- Lunch or drinks with colleagues paid for by employer (62%)
- Access to internal training course (62%)
- Ticket to leisure or sporting activities for use with family/friends (61%)
- Option to gain experience in a different department within the organization (58%)
- A couple of extra days off to do charity/volunteer work (49%)
- A promotion without pay rise (37%)

Q: When was the last time you received a THANK YOU from your boss for a job well done?