Marks of recognition are often more effective than material rewards in boosting employee productivity, commitment and motivation. More often than not, it costs nothing! Here are some gifts at low prices that pay big rewards.
A nice word
‘Congratulations’ or ‘thanks for your hard work’ warms the heart and does not cost a dime. We can write it on a card, send it by email with the superior on cc, publish it in the employee newsletter or simply say it to the person directly. “It is important to adapt one’s actions to the employee. Some prefer public recognition, while others feel more comfortable receiving appreciation privately,” says Cybèle Rioux, Human Resources Advisor and President of Alizé Human Resources.
The freedom to act
Giving an employee the keys to the office, allowing them to work from home or offering a flexible schedule can all be great ways of rewarding workers. "Giving more freedom to an employee means promoting their autonomy and it demonstrates your confidence in them,” says the human resources advisor. Especially since, in most cases, these sometimes costly gestures will be paid back tenfold! Employees benefiting from flexible schedules are happier, more productive, lead healthier lives and are less likely to leave their jobs.
Quality of presence
Access to the boss is worth gold. Whoever takes the time to talk to their employees regularly, in a semi-formal manner, sees their workers’ performances skyrocket. Dinners and celebrations, to mark a birthday, the end of a project or an employee’s presentation, for example, also make a big impact. “All types of recognitions where the boss is present are highly appreciated. It is also worthwhile for the boss, who can take this opportunity to keep in touch with employees,” says Rioux. She cites the initiative of a single entrepreneur who inquires each year on deserving employees within each team, and invites them to spend a weekend on his yacht with their spouse, all expenses paid.
Training
Giving an employee the opportunity to hone their skills or acquire new ones is another way to show your appreciation and trust. “Providing coaching, training or mentoring an employee is a very powerful mark of recognition, because it shows that we believe in them and that we are willing to invest in them. Often, the employer only has to pay the employee’s hourly wage, as some professional associations provide activities for free,” says the president of Alizé Human Resources.
The key to success
“What is important is that the recognition be truly sincere. It is up to the supervisor to find the right gesture to recognize each employee, in accordance to the culture of the company. Genuine recognition costs almost nothing, but that's what makes the difference from one company to another. No money!” states Rioux.