Ways to Reward People for a Job Well Done
Acknowledging a job well done is a simple, easy way to motivate and retain valuable employees. Something as simple as “thank you” goes a long way. Praise and rewards can do wonders to bolster an employee’s self-confidence and morale. No one can deny the effect praise and recognition can have on people. When you praise someone, you let them know you’re aware of their hard work, their effort and celebrating their accomplishment. Don’t forget, this also applies at home.
- Be sincere in your praise: Don’t praise a worker merely to make them feel better. This is even more important to remember with family members. If your praise is insincere, you may be considered manipulative, and you don’t want to give that impression.
- Don’t wait to give praise: You cannot follow the old adage, “Better late than never,” when it comes to praising someone. Express your praise as quickly as you can when you see that someone has done something praiseworthy.
- Be specific about your praise: Make sure you are specific with your praise. “Your excel spreadsheet is a work of art. The attention to detail was amazing!” Much better than just saying, “Nice report.”
- Praise them in front of others: Giving someone a pat on the back in private may make a person feel good for a few minutes. Recognizing their contribution or success during a staff meeting will extend that good feeling into days, if not weeks.
- Don’t make it complicated: For smaller praise, you can do a drive by their desk and just say, “Great job on that call with the client!”
- Make it a part of your routine: Make acknowledging good work an everyday part of your leadership style. It doesn’t just make your employee’s feel better, it makes you feel better as well.
When employees feel like they matter, they’re much more willing to give you their all. Giving praise is a simple easy way to motivate and engage your employees. Not only will your team enjoy their job and the workplace much more, you’ll find they’re more productive as well. Recognize and reward a job well done daily and you and ultimately your company will reap the benefits.