Increaseing Worker Morale.

Looking for ways to improve morale, productivity and retention? Spot awards may  be the way to go.

They’re the most well-liked recognition incentives among workers, a recent published study  shows. the best part -  the incentives normally amount to less than 1 percent of base pay. That also can makes this choice attractive to C-levels. and the awards don’t even have to be given in cash.

Spontaneity grabs ‘em

Traditional end-of-year or quarterly bonuses cost employers an average of 10% of base pay yet often have a lower payoff in morale and retention.

Reason -  Workers appreciate them less because they expect to receive them for reaching certain objectives. By their nature spot awards are spontaneous and compensated out immediately. Honorees are pleasantly surprised and see the organization values their work.

Here are four keys to successful spot bonus programs, according to benefits consultant Ken Stahlmann -

1. Creativity is crucial

The most effective programs normally give out awards weekly or monthly. to avoid over-stretching the budget - and avoid a ho-hum attitude setting in - creativity is a must.

One way that never gets old -  combining time off with a second, non-cash award.

Example -  One firm gives a half-day off in combo with movie passes once a month. Another, at weekly staff meetings, holds a random drawing for a dinner gift certificate, plus permission to leave work early once.

2. Make it personal

Rewards have more lasting impact when they’re geared to people ’s personal needs or interests. Two examples -

• one firm with many foreign-born, low-wage workers awards a $20 pre-compensated phone card after 90 days of service, and a $100 card for outstanding work, and

• another firm with a lot of sports nuts took a few top-performers to a ball game. Managers said it was the best $200 they’ve ever spent in terms of creating ongoing enthusiasm.

3. Add structure

The awards may seem spur of the moment, but the most effective programs have a fixed budget and structure set before anything is handed out.

Example -  One retail firm awards “points” for good work. Folks can then trade in their points for store merchandise. By letting individuals  bank points for additional valuable rewards, the employer saw a solid jump in retention.

Other organizations prefer to let staff members reward each other. for example, a small healthcare provider keeps a “goodies box” on-site - compensated for in petty cash and stocked by staff members themselves.

When someone spots a colleague going the extra mile, he or she pulls out a prize and awards it.

The program is a enormous hit -  It’s immediate and personal, yet structured.

4. Don’t let good intentions backfire

Most spot awards go over well. But keep these issues in mind -

• for most cash or cash-value awards, there are tax implications (just as with traditional bonuses)

• Awards need to be spread around or else resentment can creep in

• Make certain honorees don’t mind being the center of attention (some firms have accidentally alienated people  they tried to reward), and

• Be sure the reward is something individuals  actually want. One firm that awarded a VIP parking space next to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) found no one used it. No one wanted the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) knowing what time he or she came and left.