A pizza party is something you throw for kids who won a sporting event, not how you reward a milestone achievement for employees. Likewise, a diamond-encrusted pendant is not wise. Incentivizing performance and rewarding the follow-through is a delicate balance of respect and recognition.
Incentivization and appreciation gift for employees have become simplified, like many things, with the advent of online shopping. You, I and everyone feel the intent and attention behind gifts that meet our personalities. It tells us someone cared enough to pay attention. If that target is missed, as is often the case, the gift seems forced and not unique at all.
Why waste a great opportunity to build a stronger relationship with lazy gift-buying? If you are [planning to reward excellence and individual achievement, it should be excellent and individualized. An employer can use these programs and so can we for our gift-giving.
When a certain production or sales record threshold is broken there should be celebration and recognition. Online companies offer gift catalogue packages with varying prices. You can send a voucher online, via email, or with a physical certificate presentation. These certificates with QR codes will allow them to choose any gift from that catalogue.
They can choose color, size, or style of whichever gift they select. Shipping is included and all packages are automatically drop shipped the moment they make a decision. When they choose their gift, the memory of success lasts longer and our relationship becomes stronger.
In-career education expenses can be reimbursed for staff retention as their skills improve. Companies can show their loyalty in many ways, income, gifts, personal time off, wellness treatments, and health therapies. Paying to improve their education is a lifelong gift.
All of these apply as group incentives as well. I worked for United Airlines as a maintenance facility manager. The company goal for on-time gate delivery of aircraft from maintenance was 93%. The 50-union mechanics on my team achieved 98.5%. Delayed planes cost airlines millions in rerouting of aircraft in a set maintenance rotation.
Despite my recommendations, upper management threw us a pizza party. We were insulted. Our work ethic, loyalty, and drive never reached that level again. Dominos is eaten, passed, and forgotten.