You see, actually almost all employees on this planet prefer to sleep at home. That’s why people get paid to go to work. Even the most satisfying and entertaining jobs require monetary compensation. While salary will go a long way in motivating employees to put in the work, sometimes it’s just not enough.
Real motivation requires something extra, which is why bosses around the world have become so interested in employee recognition. Employee reward techniques can turn even the most sluggish worker into the next employee of the month.
Here are some tips on how to make your team members feel valued.
1. Where Appreciation Begins
You don’t need a reason to be polite. Phrases like “please” and “thank you” will work wonders if you try to show real appreciation to employees. You may be the CEO of your company, and you may assign assignments to summer interns, but that doesn’t give you the right to command them. Instead of shouting orders, show appreciation by showing common courtesy. Say “please” when you do, and say “thank you” when your employees comply. I’ve seen enough boss-employee interactions to know that this is a lesson that many employers can relearn. Few things are as hateful as being treated like equipment.
2. Track achievements
Sometimes employees feel as if they are toiling away in obscurity. It can be very depressing to work so hard to solve a problem, only to have it go completely unnoticed. So take some time and monitor the achievements of your employees. When someone performs well, be quick about it and let that person know how important their contribution is. Be genuine, and let them know how much they’ve helped the business. Let them know how proud you are of them. BSpecific. If the employee knows that you care enough about his project to supervise him, he will care even more.
3. Give credit for good work, and sometimes for no reason at all
Deep inside, humans are very simple creatures. When we are rewarded for certain behaviors, we instinctively learn to repeat those behaviors. We then have the hope of receiving further gifts. Free lunches, extra vacation time, or even silly little trinkets can all be good pieces employee appreciation program. They can also condition your team members to work even harder in the future. Alternately, you can increase your morale and general productivity if you join a company pizza party (or something similar). Don’t do it too often, or people will start to expect it. After all, the surprise is half the fun.
4. Be friendly
Being friendly doesn’t mean slapping five people and calling everyone “bro.” That means getting involved in your employees’ lives, having natural, non-work-related conversations with them. And, for the love of Pete, please learn how to pronounce their names correctly. The hard part is being able to walk the line between employees and friends. Some people say it can’t be done, but they are wrong. It is possible to be both a boss and a friend, and those who strike that delicate balance quickly find that their workers are far more willing to go the extra mile. Not for company; but for them Friend who has shown them real appreciation.
5. Do not force
People are great at understanding the lack of sincerity. If you walk through the cubicle at the same time every Friday, giving non-specific praise just so you can tick “boost employee morale” off your calendar, you’re not fooling anyone. Most people would rather receive an insult than be grateful for an insincere compliment. When you do your best to let your team know how important they are, let it come naturally.
Monitor their achievements, get involved in their life, reward them for their good work. Be polite, show real appreciation, and acknowledge that without employees the company won’t go far. If you can get to the point where you really are Do appreciate the people working under you, then show it will come naturally.
