What are your Rewards and Recognition Goals – Motivation or Retention

An effective Rewards and Recognition goals can aim for both motivation and retention. Get tips to achieve desired results.

Organizations implement Rewards and Recognition Programs to increase motivation and retention. However, HR teams face the typical employee engagement challenge when conceiving Rewards and Recognition initiatives i.e. goal prioritization. Should the program encourage increased involvement and production, or should retention take precedence? The emphasis shifts depending on the organization’s stage of dynamic growth. 

Companies with excellent R and R programs are 12 times more likely to have a highly engaged staff.

Both motivation and retention can be achieved through the use of an Rewards and Recognition program. A company, for example, may offer a bonus to employees who fulfill their sales goals. It would motivate employees to work harder and generate better results, as well as show them that their efforts are valued and appreciated. Ultimately, the purpose of Rewards and Recognition programs is to forge a more positive and productive work environment. 

Understanding the Rewards and Recognition Goals

85% of employees agree that being recognized for exceptional performance makes them feel more engaged and inspired.

Motivation and retention are two related but distinct concepts of employee engagement and satisfaction. Employee motivation is about encouraging them to do their best. Employee retention is about keeping them with the organization. The R and R program is the best technique to achieve workforce goals and agendas. 

Rewards and Recognition programs for Motivation

84% of employees feel more motivated when they receive praise for their efforts.

Motivation is the driving force that pushes people to act. It motivates people to create objectives and work toward them. Employees might be motivated to perform at their best when they are given rewards and recognition. Employees are likely to feel engaged and motivated when they believe the organization will reward them for their hard work and accomplishments.  According to the Incentive Research Foundation, 84% of employees feel more motivated when they receive praise for their efforts. An integrated R and R program can do wonders for boosting morale and motivation in people at the workplace. Here is a ready-to-use list for developing an Rewards and Recognition motivation program:

Monetary and non-monetary rewards

Organizations can include employees that may be motivated by both monetary and non-monetary incentives. The idea is to select rewards that are meaningful to your staff. A SHRM study states 60% of employees believe monetary prizes are the most motivating sort of acknowledgment.  To cater to a workforce that enjoys monetary benefits, you may select from bonuses, spot awards, gift certificates, and paid time off.  For a value-driven staff, you may want to focus on non-monetary benefits such as public recognition, awards awards, special privileges, and experiences. A research by O.C.Tanner discovered that non-monetary advantages, such as public praise or more time off, are more motivating to 40% of employees than monetary rewards.

Peer-to-peer recognition

Peer-to-peer recognition is an excellent approach to motivating employees and fostering a feeling of community at work. A study by Achievers expresses that peer appreciation holds more significance to 80% of employees than management acknowledgment. It enables employees to recognize and appreciate the efforts of one another. Peer-to-peer recognition can be implemented in a variety of ways, including:

Gamification

The implementation of game-design features and ideas in non-game environments is known as gamification. It can be used to inspire people by making their jobs more enjoyable and interesting. You may make your Rewards and Recognition program more fun by including components like:

Social recognition

The public acknowledgement of an employee’s accomplishments is known as social recognition. Employees are motivated when they feel respected and appreciated.  You can provide social acknowledgment by hosting recognition events to honor employees’ achievements.  Share your employees’ achievements on social media.

Employee Spotlight

Individual employees can be recognized and celebrated using the employee spotlight. Employees can be featured in the limelight based on their accomplishments, work ethic, or loyalty to the firm. When highlighting an employee, be sure to explain their story and why they are being acknowledged.

Random acts of kindness

Random acts of kindness are an excellent way to show your staff how much you value them. These don’t have to be grand or costly gestures. Even tiny acts of generosity or writing a handwritten note of thanks can make a big difference.

You can combine these aspects to construct an Rewards and Recognition motivating program that is specific to your company’s culture and budget. The most important thing is to design a program that your employees will find interesting and relevant.

Rewards and Recognition programs for Retention

Organizations with Rewards and Recognition programs have a 31% lower turnover rate than companies without such programs

An organization’s ability to retain its employees is referred to as retention. Employee turnover is the polar opposite of this. Organizations value staff retention because it helps reduce the expenses of acquiring and training new employees and the interruptions created by employee turnover.. Providing a favorable workplace with Rewards and Recognition Programs can help retain staff. Employees are more inclined to stay with a company if they feel valued and appreciated. Here’s a ready-to-use list for developing a Rewards and Recognition motivating program.

Long-term service award

Long service awards are an excellent approach to recognize and thank employees for their long-term commitment to the organization. These recognitions might be monetary or non-monetary, such as extended paid time off, a special gift, or a public commendation event.

Wellness Program

Employees’ physical and emotional health can benefit from wellness initiatives. It increases productivity, decreases absenteeism, and lowers the company’s healthcare costs. Wellness programs may include several components, such as health exams, fitness classes, and nutrition counseling.

Opportunities for professional growth

Professional development initiatives provide employees with new skills to advance their careers. Employees feel more engaged and driven as a result of this. Development opportunities may include training courses and workshops to enhance their skills.

Flexible work arrangements

Employees have more discretion over their work hours and location under these arrangements. They are able to achieve a better work-life balance and increasing job satisfaction. Telecommuting, reduced workweeks, and flextime are examples of flexible work arrangements.

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) and employee resource groups (ERGs)

EAPs and ERGs help employees deal with personal and professional issues. EAPs provide confidential counseling services. ERGs give a sense of community and support to employees with common interests or experiences.

Personal development programs

Personal development programs could help employees grow and develop professionally and personally. Employees might be paired with more experienced colleagues for guidance and support through mentoring programs. Sabbatical programs might allow employees to take a long leave of absence to pursue personal or professional goals.

Rewards and Recognition program should not be viewed as a one-size-fits-all answer. Different factors will drive different employees. It is critical to solicit feedback from your employees in order to understand what they seek in an Rewards and Recognition program. You can then personalize your program to your employees’ needs such as motivation; and organizational needs such as retention.

Rewards and recognition (R&R)) programs are an effective and impactful tool for HR teams to design and achieve desired company goals. Virtual Nurturing gives Rewards and Recognition programs agility and fluidity. It makes them more responsive to shifting employee expectations. Companies can create a more positive and productive work atmosphere by implementing digital-first Rewards and Recognition programs. It leads to improved business performance and a stronger bottom line.