Not many have a job that comes with a five-figure annual bonus or a company car. But there are limitless ways to reward workers of any status for a job well done. Showing appreciation on a regular basis helps promote a happy work environment and employee retention. It also encourages productive behaviors. Here are some simple and inexpensive recognition in the workplace ideas that may be a perfect fit for retail and hourly employees.
Offer Social Recognition
If you have a workplace full of millennials, there’s a good chance that they are pretty addicted to getting positive attention on social media. Being featured with their bio or story on your company website and Facebook page could be an awesome boost for their self-esteem. It’s much better than just having an employee of the month plaque that hangs in the store. They get recognition among their peers, customers, friends and family, and the entire internet!
Automate Awards
Today, there are plenty of apps you can use to track, recognize and reward employees on a continual basis. For example, the Achievers app lets employees accumulate recognition points to redeem for merchandise, gift cards, and travel. Workers can also recognize each other with points. Further, they can even donate money to charity in lieu of cashing in their points for rewards. The beauty of recognition apps is that they’re handy to use every day, on the go, and in the moment. Therefore, you never miss a chance to reward great performance and stellar attitudes!
Celebrate In-House Expertise
Have an employee who is particularly good at their job, regardless of workplace stature? Why not let everyone recognize it? Host a quarterly Q&A session that gives some of your most knowledgeable employees a chance to answer questions from newer workers and people in other departments. Set it up like a real panel with a moderator to give the situation more gravitas. It’s a good chance to explore and celebrate fresh ideas and prompt innovation in areas like sales, customer service, and operations.
Give the Gift of Time
You may need to have all hands on deck during a busy time of year. Offering a little bit of concierge service can go a long way to making those workdays less stressful. Explore sponsoring some simple errand running services that let employees “be in two places at once.” Even just having a mobile car wash service come on-site could be a great way to recognize the long hours your workers are putting in on the job. That’s one more thing they won’t have to try to squeeze in when they get off work. That way they can spend more time on family, hobbies, and things they enjoy.
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