How to develop an effective employee work incentive program?

Question

I work at a small organization and we do NOT have a lot of money for staff awards, bonuses, etc. I have tried implementing incentive awards for low sick leave and innovation before which have blown up in my face as people considered them unfair-not everyone could attain them due to sick children at home, budget constraints, etc. We do get small service recognition awards, and a christmas party etc. I want to implement a monthly recognition award for staff based on something good that has happened (like designing a new exhibit) but am not sure how to develop the guidelines for a program that will work and be fair to everyone, and also easy to quantify. We will give our own awards, so I do NOT want a company to offer me their awards programs with watches and pins and junk like that. We have tried a system where the employees nominate a staff member for an award each month and that has also not worked. If anyone has had success in a similar situation I would love to hear from you.

Answer 1

Maybe you could tell your employees that life isn't fair...it's just an effin' game (basically).

Otherwise, perhaps you could ask your employees what they would like to work for. Right now we have an incentive where if the employee meets certain criteria, they get like $1-$2 onto a Best Buy card, and at the end of the year it really adds up. They seem to like that, but we asked them what they wanted, and it was almost a unanimous vote.

Good luck!

Answer 2

First, having employees nominate is totally a bummer, there is too much compitition in the work place and that nominate stuff does not ususally work and a waste of time and breeds problems down the line. It sounds that you are new at this, The monthly thing is also a no go usually , too close to gether 4 weeks, You need to set up a program that all will benifit from You and the employees, I do not know what type of business you have, You have to think of a bonus type award on the quarterly time period. Product, Selling Manual Labor, it depends on your business, what your goals are and what you want from the emplyees and incorperate this in a bonus type situation. Good Luck Sorry, I can not help you further with out knowing type of business you are in, each business is set up different...

Answer 3

I also work in an office with a limited outgoing budget. I have learned that marketing partners can become an invaluable resource. Not only can they help us increase business by referrals, we can help them in the same way. The other side to it is we often trade services from one another. I can offer discounts to their employees, and sometimes freebies for giveaways and drawings. In turn, all I ask is for the same considerations. I have been able to give away dinners, movie tickets, phone service, etc. It has cost me nothing from the budget, since I can verify it was legitimate marketing concepts. Best of luck, I know it can be hard to find these things.

Answer 4

There are lots of books written on this topic. One corporate leader gave his favorite employee of the month a banana! That turned in to a banana pin.
I think taking the best employee out for lunch somewhere nice is a good idea.
You might be able to get some friends of yours in the community to donate something to give away for their own promotional purposes, i.e. a limousine for the night...

Answer 5

pay attention to what people are actually doing everyday (not hanging over their shoulder, just being aware). It's not just the big accomplisments that keep the business going, the smaller successes are important, too. My boss doesn't know what I'm doing most of the time. He only perks up when it's a BIG negative (rare) or a BIG positive. I've been given half a day off out of the blue. Very nice.

Answer 6

Well, what do they want? Start with asking them. In a meeting, suggest that we want to reward excellent work and see if they have any ideas. Tell them up front that they should not get too excited about it. But an extra sick day or vacation day, easier parking for a week, even dinner for their family or wife. Small simple things sometimes go a long way. Put them in charge and they will usually motivate themselves.

Answer 7

A company I worked for some years back used to reward us with food. As the team leader in the shipping department I posted all the employees work results.

Answer 8

Maybe start by asking you employees how and what they would like to be recognized for. Put out a memo, and explain it like you did here, about the budget & what-not, and see what they can come up with. In my opinion, it will mean more to then if they have input. You sound like you want to be good to your employees, and I am sure they respect that, and that is good incentive, also! Good luck!

Answer 9

Maybe try a different contest each month? Best cost savings idea one month, Best new safety program idea, Best suggestion for place to have the christmas party, Best idea for improving the working environment. For a prize you can give away movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates, car wash (have them come to your workplace and wash the car so everybody can see who won and the actual car being washed).