Creative Ideas for Recognition and Reward
Recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of your employees and team members is key to building a healthy and supportive workplace culture. In a work environment with positive recognition and reward, there is appropriate acknowledgement and appreciation of workers’ efforts in a fair and timely manner. Finding creative ways to show your appreciation can go a long way in building engagement, job satisfaction and a sense of belonging.
Get creative
- At a team meeting, discuss how you and team members can recognize each other’s efforts and accomplishments in ways that are meaningful and practical. Use a short video (see resources below) to help frame the discussion.
- Explore a variety of options for recognition since different people value different rewards (e.g. time off, bonus, gift certificate, name on a “wall of celebration”, access to training or technology, lunch with the CEO or a team member, etc.)
Make it personal
- Express your appreciation promptly when a worker has made a specific contribution to the team’s work (e.g. by text, e-mail, card, recognition in a meeting, etc.)
- Encourage team members to recognize each other’s contributions and accomplishments (both work-related and personal – such as birth of a child, graduation, etc.)
- Celebrate team accomplishments both big and small (e.g. lunch, picnic, guest speaker, walk, movie, weekend retreat, etc.)
Review performance and compensation
- Regularly recognize good performance, including on performance review, and let senior managers know about positive feedback from clients
- Regularly review workers’ compensation and recommend adjustment as appropriate
Resources:
- Recognition and Reward (video) | Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Recognition and Reward (video) | MyWorkplaceHealth
- Putting recognition and reward on the agenda | Workplace Mental Health Strategies
- Evidence-based actions for recognition and reward | Workplace Mental Health St