By MaryMay Braun

Your business may be a huge company with hundreds of workers, or a small operation that only employs a few people, or somewhere in between. No matter which is the case, you should certainly be concerned with employee motivation and morale. Employees who feel beaten down and under-appreciated are far less productive than their happier counterparts. Employee service awards can help you create the type of environment that motivates employees and increases productivity.

The type of award will differ from business to business. A large corporation is able to give larger-scale awards and incentives, such as 401 Ks. However, even a small business that is just getting started can work to recognize its employees and let them know that their effort is valued. Employee morale and loyalty may be even more important to a fledgling business, as consistency can help the business start out strong and build a good reputation.

If you can afford monetary awards, like holiday bonuses, this is a great way to raise morale. The holiday season can be extremely stressful, and it is a good idea to show your employees that extra effort is appreciated.

If your business is brand new, though, you may simply not have enough profit to award employees monetarily. There are definitely other things you can do.

Token awards such as certificates of recognition or "employee of the month" postings may seem silly or not worthwhile. However, you would be surprised at the difference something small like this can make in employee morale. At the very least, it lets your employees know that you are paying attention to them and to their work performance on an individual level, rather than seeing them simply as one large machine.

Company parties can be another way to recognize your employees. These occasions also improve morale by allowing time to socialize. If your employees spend time together in a relaxed atmosphere, having fun, they will have an easier time relating to each other and this may help their performance as a team.

It is important that you make sure each employee has equal opportunity to earn an award. If you only recognize on particular aspect of performance, your reward system may end up fostering resentment and contention. Be sure that each department of your business and each level of employee has a chance to be recognized. Find different things to reward. For instance, one month you might give an award to an employee who is especially supportive and helps his or her coworkers work together. The next month, reward someone who is especially driven to increase sales. Occasionally, give a "most improved" award.

Employee service awards are a wonderful way to increase morale and motivate your employees, but they cannot work alone. If awards are part of a generally unpleasant work environment, they will seem out of place, and will be interpreted as a poor effort to give the appearance of valuing employees. However, if they are worked into an upbeat, pleasant, healthy day to day environment, they will be a great motivational tool. Make sure that your management philosophy values and recognizes employees all the time, not just on certain occasions.

About the Author:

One Response so far.

  1. Unknown says:

    If you are searching for an expert advice on employee recognition and service awards programs then Bukoo Gifts ( http://www.bukoogifts.com ) is best and reliable source to say thanks to your employees with a personalized service recognition award.

Leave a Reply

Accessories

Followers

Twitter Feeds

    Archives