Recognizing/Rewarding Employees

Everybody likes to have his or her achievements recognized by others. Even though personal satisfaction will come from meeting a predetermined goal, it is always more meaningful if someone else is there to share the success.

Getting employees to go the extra mile. Workers are usually not averse to putting out an extra effort when the business needs help in overcoming a problem or meeting a production deadline. But if the extra effort goes unnoticed, employees will wonder why they should bother. A moment or two from you to thank the employee and emphasize how that employee's efforts have helped will cost nothing and will go a long way toward increasing the employee's self-esteem and motivation.

In devising your recognition and reward program, consider:

• what type of behavior to recognize
• what to give as a reward (especially on a shoestring budget)
• how to present the reward or recognition