Looking for ways to improve morale, productivity and retention? Spot awards could be the way to go.
They’re the most well-liked recognition incentives among workers, a recent research study shows. the best part – the incentives usually amount to less than 1 percent of base pay. That also can makes this option attractive to C-levels. and the awards don’t even have to be given in cash.
Spontaneity grabs ‘em
Traditional end-of-year or quarterly bonuses cost businesss an typical of 10 percent of base pay yet often have a lower payoff in morale and retention.
Reason – Workers appreciate them less because they expect to receive them for reaching certain objectives. By their nature spot awards are spontaneous and compensated out immediately. Honorees are pleasantly surprised and see the organization values their work.
Here are four keys to successful spot bonus programs, according to benefits advisor Ken Stahlmann –
1. Creativity is crucial
The most effective programs typically give out awards weekly or monthly. to avoid over-stretching the budget – and avoid a ho-hum attitude setting in – creativity is a must.
One way that never gets old – combining time off with a second, non-cash award.
Example – One firm gives a half-day off in combo with movie passes once a month. Another, at weekly staff meetings, holds a random drawing for a dinner gift certificate, plus permission to leave work early once.
2. Make it personal
Rewards have more lasting impact when they’re geared to people ’s personal needs or interests. Two examples –
• one firm with many foreign-born, low-wage employees awards a $20 pre-paid phone card after 90 days of service, and a $100 card for outstanding work, and
• another firm with a lot of sports nuts took a few top-performers to a ball game. Managers said it was the best $200 they’ve ever spent respecting creating ongoing enthusiasm.
3. Add structure
The awards may seem spur of the moment, but the most effective programs have a fixed budget and structure set before anything is handed out.
Example – One retail firm awards “points” for good work. Folks can then trade in their points for store merchandise. By letting people bank points for additional valuable rewards, the company saw a solid jump in retention.
Other organizations prefer to let employees reward each other. for instance, a small healthcare provider keeps a “goodies box” onsite – compensated for in petty cash and stocked by employees themselves.
When someone spots a colleague going the extra mile, he or she pulls out a prize and awards it.
The program is a huge hit – It’s immediate and personal, yet structured.
4. Don’t let good intentions backfire
Most spot awards go over well. But keep these issues in mind –
• for most cash or cash-value awards, there are tax implications (just as with traditional bonuses)
• Awards need to be spread around or else resentment can creep in
• Make certain honorees don’t mind being the center of attention (some firms have accidentally alienated individuals they tried to reward), and
• Make certain the reward is something people actually want. One firm that awarded a VIP parking space next to the CEO found no one used it. No one wanted the CEO knowing what time he or she came and left.
