Keeping Spirits High

Now more than ever, companies must try to keep employees energized. With cutbacks deemed necessary by today’s economic strain, many employees are facing longer hours, impossible deadlines and dwindling benefits. Budget restraints and layoffs may mean elaborate employee gift giving and incentive programs have been tabled. What’s a manager to do?

Find gifts that cost less but are better tailored to each worker’s needs. Not everyone will appreciate a gold lapel pin, watch or ring. Consider giving a gift that fits the employees by position- such as a personalized portfolio for sales reps, an insulated lunch bag with travel mug for drivers and elegant desk accessories for administrators.

Focus more on giving based on merit, and less on longevity. The service awards presentations you have done in the past may seem too elaborate in down times. Recognizing years of service during times of layoffs might even cause morale to drop, bringing to mind the tenured co-workers who have recently lost their job. Cutting back on the number of employees means those who remain are working harder, so why not recognize them for their efforts? And don’t forget the families who are behind every successful employee. Try giving a collector’s tin of cookies or a decorative crystal vase stuffed with chocolates that the recipient can take home and share.

Enroll employees in program planning by asking what they want. While employee input is a good way to begin tailoring a program, be aware of the fact that no manager can please all the people all the time. For instance, while requests for cash may be popular, statistics show that cash does not serve well as an incentive or reward because the meaning is often lost after payday. Gift cards/certificates or gift selection programs are a more personal way to give employees spending flexibility, and make memorable awards when provided for luxury items and not as a way for the recipient to meet everyday needs.

One fact remains constant in good times and bad: with everything else being equal (pay, benefits, working environment), employees perform better and stay longer when recognized for their efforts. The smart manager will find ways to continue the tradition of employee awards… even with a smaller budget. After all- it’s the thought that counts!