The Most Valuable Reward Possible For An Employee Is Not Cash

We probably all know already what the most valuable reward for an employee is. However, it is so valuable, so effective, and so easy to deliver that it needs to be repeated because few follow this strategy and those that do may not be doing it very well. There are a few basic requirements that apply which we can all learn and implement today.

The basic strategy is called “positive reinforcement”, telling your employee that he or she  did a good job when they performed some admirable task, above and beyond the call of duty. You determine the benchmark that results in recognition and positive support, then deliver the thank you.

Here are the rules for making this work:

1) Do not simply say “good job last week, Joe.” That does NOT work. It’s not specific enough. you must say, “Good job, Joe in finishing that report on time.” This works. Rewards for accomplishments must include exactly what they did that you are rewarding them for. The reward is the recognition of their superior work effort.

2) It must be contemporaneous with the work effort, not days or weeks later, but the moment you are aware of the success the reward needs to be delivered. Offer this praise as close to the accomplishment as possible.

The reward is about recognition. Certainly the boss’s recognition with a verbal notice is good. Better still is a written note from the boss. Best yet is public recognition by the boss but communicated to the larger community be it the workforce or perhaps even the local community if the job warrants such a response. It depends upon what was done. Local press releases may be a huge reward, internal but widespread rewards are terrific as it elevates status within the business environment and supports others to try and achieve such acclaim.

Parking privileges, extra days off, notices in the company newsletter, awards, plaques, dinners, thank you notes… all work as long as these rules are followed:

1. Recite the specific job done which warranted noteworthy thanks and recognition with the thank you.

2. Do it as close to the action as possible.

3. Broadcast the thank you notice over as broad an audience as is reasonably possible, elevating status accordingly.

Interestingly, others in the workforce will want similar status and the individual receiving such accolades will want to experience it again and will be more likely to repeat his excellent work habits – a win-win for everyone.

Do it, and do it right. The dividends are huge.