Why You Need An Employee Rewards Program (and a low cost way to implement one)
At Jidan Cleaning, my team is an integral part of my company’s success. I know that it’s my job to make sure I convey their importance and my appreciation for their role.
And that’s why I created our employee rewards program – and made it a part of our team culture.
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. As more and more companies are establishing customer reward programs, it’s important to realize that incentives and recognition for employees may be even more essential. While both can help build brand loyalty, recognizing your staff is ultimately the first step in earning you happy customers.
Rewarding and recognizing your employees shows that you value them and their contribution to you and your organization. Strengthening the relationship with your staff is not only the right thing to do but will also help your small business thrive.
Your staff has a direct influence on your customers and their satisfaction. When you recognize and reward them, even in small ways, it has a trickle-down effect on every aspect of your company including retention rates and engagement levels. It also sets a positive example for the employee communication and interaction you want from everyone.
Thoughtfully designing and integrating an employee rewards program while keeping it low-cost can do wonders for your business.
Here are a few ideas that have worked for me:
- Sending cards. I always send a birthday card and personal note to each of my staff members to commemorate their special day. This is a great opportunity to show my appreciation for the work they do all year. In addition to birthdays, handwritten notes and cards for special occasions, company anniversaries, or thank you notes for a job well done or completion of a special project are all wonderful ways to convey your gratitude.
- Public praise. Mentioning a job well done in newsletters, social media and emails are also perfect channels to recognize accomplishments. Always pass along client testimonials too. This builds stronger connections between clients and staff.
- Holiday gatherings. We host a winter party and a summer family event for our staff. Special celebrations to recognize employees offers the opportunity to get to know them better and have fun. It also builds team camaraderie. When you express a genuine interest in their personal lives—by inviting their families to an annual company event —they are likely to be thankful and appreciative and more committed to the success of your business.
- Employee of the month. I love giving gift cards to employees that go the extra mile. When managers or clients let me know about team members doing exceptional work or going out of their way to make a difference, I reward them.
As a small business owner, you have the ability to build positive relationships with your staff and create a winning culture by acknowledging your team and their efforts.
Happy, respected employees talk about the benefits of where they work and that kind of brand marketing is priceless!
Check out these resources for additional ways to reward and recognize your staff.
