Formal employee recognition programs often have a bad reputation. Being rewarded for good work seems like a positive thing, but receiving a kitchen appliance for 25 years of service or having an awkward snapshot on a dusty “Employee of the Month” wall may be doing more harm than good. You should consider your company’s reward system as an extension of your employer brand, purposefully connecting it with your company’s core values.
In a 2004 study, Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., found direct links between a company’s financial performance and their employee satisfaction. Investing in a properly functioning reward program is more important than ever and is vital to the preservation of your employer brand. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you’re recognizing your employees in ways that make a difference.
Personalize the Reward
Though cash rewards like gift cards and coupons seem like an obvious reward, adding a human touch to your award can be worth more than money. “The really good recognition programs don’t just recognize achievement; they recognize people’s behaviours and activities that lead to achievement,” says Peter Hart, CEO of Rideau Inc., a Montreal company that creates corporate recognition systems. Recognizing an employee’s individual efforts, whether it’s large achievements or small hurdles, is crucial. When sending out holiday cards or company newsletters, make specific reference to something positive an employee did. Being praised for an accomplishment is an easy and effective way for a worker to feel like a valued member of your company, which will in turn improve their work ethic. Thoughtful rewards benefit employees, but also help companies that value recognition as a component of their employer brand.
Value Their Interests
When deciding what type of reward to bestow upon hard-working employees, demonstrate that you value their interests outside of the workplace. Has an employee made reference to a charity they support? Give them a day off to volunteer at this favourite organization, and invite them to report on their experience in your newsletter. Show workers that you care about what they care about, and let them bring outside personal accomplishments into their work life—while your company also publicly gives back to the community. Another way to incorporate employee-supported charities into your recognition systems is by introducing a program matching employee donations up to $100. You can see how this type of recognition could be a good fit with an employer brand that promises community engagement and the opportunity to give back.
Celebrate Together
Personal achievements have more value when celebrated with others. Aside from showcasing accomplishments in your newsletter, holding a get-together where your company publicly honours the employees is a great way to make workers feel valued. Other employees get inspired to take initiative in the future, and all workers mingle in a positive and non-stressful situation. Hold employee appreciation events after the completion of big projects: invite an outside person—a golf pro or decorator, for example—to teach employees a desirable skill. Workshops like these demonstrate that you care about an employee’s personal growth outside the company, and are an entertaining way for co-workers to bond. Frequently holding small events helps build morale and a sense of community within your workplace. Of course, teamwork and collaboration are important pillars for many companies, and these activities are a good reflection of that.
The best recognition programs are aligned to your employer brand. They drive positive behaviours and outcomes in ways that resonate with employees and potential hires. Getting to know your workers on a personal level and integrating their individual interests into your reward system will result in a meaningful—and truly successful—program.
About Blu Ivy Group
Blu Ivy Group is a leading employer branding and employee engagement consultancy that aligns your organization with contemporary workplace paradigms. Our mission is to help client’s build award-winning people practices, inspire extraordinary employee engagement, and cultivate unique and desirable workplaces. We provide integrated solutions in employer brand and engagement research, strategic consulting, employer brand integration, creative and talent communications.
Blu Ivy Group is a trusted partner to many of North America’s most respected employer brands. For more information, visit us online at bluivygroup.com or contact us at info@bluivygroup.com.