This month we have been talking about rewards, and the motivation they can provide.

Cash has been proven to be a short-term motivator for employees, and so we thought we would share options, lest costly, and perhaps even more rewarding. Sommore free tips at the bottom of this post…

Try a few of these, and let us know which ones you like best, and how they work!

1. A handwritten thank you note. If you’ve been following me, you’ll know that this is one of my faves. Takes little time, and says ALOT.
2. Pizza party reward. When your team has a task to accomplish, and its results are measurable, the promise of a pizza party can be Uber gratifying.
3. Birthdays. Even though it may not be for a specific work related achievement, honoring peoples’ birthdays is a great way to show personal caring.
4. LinkedIn. When you write a LinkedIn recommendation for anyone, and especially a coworker or employee, it is a long-lasting recognition of your appreciation of their achievement(s).
5. Public praise. This can take many forms, but making sure and achievement or a success is known to others can be motivating, not only for the employee, but for those around him or her.
6. Premier parking. Some businesses have preferred reserved parking spots. One such reward would be a week or a month’s worth of parking in the cherished space.
7. Ask them to stand. When recognizing individual accomplishments in a meeting, especially larger meetings, ask the person to stand when you recognize him or her. Sounds like a small thing, but the return can be huge.
8. Wall of fame. Employees reaching a certain level of achievement, and educational goal, or other measurable accomplishment can be rewarded with a “wall of fame” placing their picture, and a note about the accomplishment. As an example, I have seen this done in many companies for employees achieving educational designations.
9. Share accomplishments in the news media or on social media. Don’t keep your employees’ successes a secret!
10. Magazine subscription. When an employee reaches a certain level, give them a subscription to a magazine. This reminder “keeps on giving” for the full year that the employee receives a magazine.
11. Sticky thanks. Not unlike the handwritten note, but placing a sticky note on their computer screen, or on their desk with a very quick and specific appreciation note can start the employee’s day right.
12. Lottery tickets. If your state has a lottery, reward deserving employees with lottery tickets.

And for a series of more FREE recognition tips, click here.

Want a full year, two tips a weeks? 104 tips? Click here for more info.

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