For businesses in emerging markets who are constantly struggling to achieve financial goals that stakeholders are willing to support, employee recognition ideas can be a faraway thought. They’re on the other end of the spectrum when compared to multinationals who can afford to regularly send their best performing employees on Leadership Outbreaks. This polarization can make it difficult for local businesses to retain talent.
The good news is that with a little creativity and a deep understanding on what drives people in emerging markets, you can come up with a great employee recognition ideas that won’t cost your company an arm and a leg. Here are 7 ways to create healthy competition in your organization which will constantly drive people to achieve their absolute best.
1. Dinner for Two
Everybody loves a free meal. It’s really as simple as that. I would go the extra mile and possibly ask the restaurant to bring a “free” slice of cake at the end of the meal. A free meal with a surprise, who wouldn’t love that! It’s important that the achievement is shared with the rest of the company so you probably want a “Recognition” area on a wall in the lunch room or even your company website.
2. Rotating Trophies
The trophy should be something small that could be displayed on the desk. This one works great for everyday achievements that can be accumulated at the end of the month such as “No Late Days”. I would also fill the trophy with chocolates or candy before giving it to the recipient.
3. An Extra Day Off
This is an awesome reward that I think VERY few companies actually consider. A day off on the employee’s birthday or on a Friday! Personally, I would strive to win this reward as often as possible because who doesn’t like some R&R with the family – especially a day that’s not scheduled into the regular calendar. You could also have a placard on the person’s desk stating “Taking some R&R for achieving…”.
4. Gift Card
Pick a store and give gift cards to your employees. Make sure to announce the achievement via email or your corporate social network so that others know their team mate’s accomplishment and they also strive to achieve the same.
5. Flowers
Flowers delivered in the morning present the opportunity of being shown off all day. And who knows, you’re employee just may go and give them to their spouse as a surprise as well. But seriously, the fact that people always enquire about what the flowers are for will give your employee a chance to talk about their achievement.
6. Movie Tickets
This one’s not a favorite of mine because it can be so time bound but it still works well. It’s especially a good one for the millennials and if you can get tickets to a premier, even better! Again, broadcast the achievement to get the full effect.
7. The Unusual Employee Recognition Ideas that Really Stand Out
The 7 methods above are pretty successful because they’re so tried and tested. But if you want to do something that could possibly WOW your employees, try some more unique recognition methods such as:
- Buy a gift for the spouse whose husband/wife has been working their socks off for the last couple of months
- Invite your employee’s family out for dinner with your own (especially if you have kids the same age)
- Provide the opportunity to deliver a presentation to an important client
- Give one on one time with the CEO
- Create a competition where colleagues can give each other votes or even stickers for a certain behavior which supports corporate values
Any of the above can be provided for simple yet important achievements. Of you course you’ll want to consider what kinds of attitudes and actions the company should be encouraging. You don’t want to be giving gift cards to your competitors store or be giving movie tickets to a show which goes against your company values. And most importantly, never forget the most simple but highly appreciated “Thank you for what you did”. It ‘s often forgotten but goes a very long way.
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Photo Credit: BigBoyDrums (www.hectorcruzphoto.com) via Compfight cc
Interesting! A little does go a long way!