Keep good staff motivated during challenging times

Capable employees, who dedicate themselves to their jobs, often carry their companies through challenging times. Whether it’s the hectic, daily grind or the planning of a once-in-a-career centennial event, the job doesn’t get done and get done right without hard work from outstanding staffers.
It’s no coincidence that many successful businesses have owners and CEOs that recognize extra effort with special rewards. From a management perspective, human resources that feel like more than just “resources” will work harder and more consistently and stay with your company longer. From a marketing standpoint, a corporate culture that embraces frequent employee recognition will help develop its employees as enthusiastic brand ambassadors.
But before you buy a stock of crystal paperweights to dole out for a special occasion, consider the full scope of options available to you. Some accomplishments may warrant specific types of rewards, and with a little bit of thoughtfulness, you can make them as unique as the employees you give them to.
For employees who have been staying late or coming in early to make sure a project is a success, giving back a little of that time here and there is always appreciated. When the workflow slows down a bit, let them come in a couple hours late or go home a little early. Personal and flex time is precious to us all, so establishing shorter workday bonuses can be a powerful incentive to meet challenging goals. If your staff size and scheduling allow it, awarding an entire bonus vacation day is an appropriate way to commemorate the completion of a huge task.
If some of your crew spends a high-pressure afternoon at a trade show or presentation, dressed to impress in their least comfortable threads, relax the rules for a day and let them wear their blue jeans to the office. Casual days are not only simple to implement, but they also don’t cost a dime. Another thrifty perk with impact is the occasional cookie platter or box of doughnuts, especially when you want to promote togetherness. Face it, food is a staff magnet. When you’re having a hard time getting them together, order a couple of pizzas or pick up a cake. The camaraderie will build itself.
Employees love getting financial recognition every now and then. A cash bonus is long remembered, regardless of how quickly it’s spent, and pay raises provide ongoing reinforcement of your gratitude for a job well done. But, the recognition doesn’t always have to be in the form of cash. Sometimes, a gift certificate for dinner or tickets for a special show or sporting event are even more meaningful gestures.
Of course, you can’t just bribe your employees into enthusiasm and loyalty. In fact, studies show that good workers are more motivated by praise, gratitude and encouragement than by greed. Remember the importance of a genuine, spoken “thank you,” even for the little things. Reinforce your thanks with a short e-mail or, better yet, a handwritten thank you note. Make employees aware of how important they are by announcing their major accomplishments at staff meetings or posting them on a prominent company bulletin board.
For achievements deserving praise both inside and outside your business, send a news release to your local media and, if appropriate, to clients and vendors.
Try out some of these employee recognition practices around your workplace, and you might find the old adage to be true: the more you give, the more you get. By making a regular practice out of them, incentives may become the key element in helping your business reach its human resource goals.