The top 10 ways to use benefits to thank staff – and boost motivation
With Christmas and end of year coming soon, thoughts turn to the recognition and rewards we plan at this time of year to boost engagement.
But while seasonal celebrations and rewards provide a spike in employee motivation, this effect soon dissipates as employees return to business as usual.
With UK employee productivity lagging behind other major economies, here’s a list of the top 10 moments to thank staff and keep them motivated throughout the year.
1. Recruitment referral
In a competitive recruitment market, encouraging employees to refer potential candidates is a win-win situation that can save employers a significant amount of money in recruitment agency fees.
On the appointment of a suggested candidate, employers can show their gratitude for the recommendation with vouchers and social recognition. This motivates other employees to participate in the recruitment process.
2. Long-service awards
At a time when retention and recruitment is a challenge for most employers, holding on to good stuff is imperative. Longer-serving staff have critical skills, experience and knowledge to share with newer staff. By signalling the value leaders place on retaining experience, other staff are motivated by others to aspire to long-term service.
3. Suggestion schemes
Employees often have valuable insights and suggestions for improving company processes. Implementing their ideas and acknowledging their contributions not only fosters a sense of belonging and motivation but keeps the ideas flowing.
4. Employee awards
Regularly celebrate employees’ achievements through monthly/quarterly/annual awards and recognition ceremonies.
5. Financial support payments
During the cost-of-living crisis employees appreciate an employer providing financial assistance for everyday purchases such as lunch, groceries, energy bills as well as big ticket items such as personal development, health and wellbeing. It not only helps them achieve personal health goals but also shows the company’s commitment to their wellbeing.
6. Christmas gifts and bonuses
Encourage staff to finish the year strong and make a fast start in the New Year. Staff will leave a traditional office party on a high: for a longer lasting impact, give staff a gift or voucher that enables them to choose something they really want and can look forward to spending.
7. Sales incentives
Get a bit of healthy competition going among sales teams and encourage them to hit targets with performance-based rewards. Done well, a sales incentive scheme reminds staff of their hard work each time they redeem their reward.
8. Employee rewards
A reward system for achieving a target or milestone significantly boosts employee motivation. Here, the trick is to offer rewards that cater to as wide a range of employee preferences as possible.
9. Recognition programmes
Encourage staff to repeat behaviour known to result in successful business outcomes with a formal recognition programme linked to specific values and behaviours. The discipline of giving daily, weekly, monthly recognition helps to nurture a culture of appreciation.
10. Personal milestones
Celebrating birthdays and life events such as weddings or becoming new parents creates a sense of belonging. Thoughtful gifts or gestures during these special moments show that the company cares about the individuals behind the job titles.
In partnership with Edenred
We help you build stronger connections with your employees to drive higher engagement&performance.
