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Maximise performance with these game-changing ideas for staff incentives

Engaging employees

Wojciech Dochan

August 14, 2023

When was the last time you were rewarded for a job well done? Chances are, it has been a while.  

We all crave recognition for our hard work and achievements in the workplace, but we often underestimate the crucial role that rewards and recognition play in both employee satisfaction and overall business success.

The statistics echo this: 90% of the highest-performing companies rely on incentives to motivate and reward their employees. 

Staff incentives have a profound impact beyond just employee happiness, positively affecting productivity and fostering a positive work atmosphere. 

So, what exactly are staff incentives? 

What are staff incentives?

Staff incentives are rewards, like gift vouchers or points, that companies give to motivate and engage their workers. 

They can be money or something tangible. 

Imagine this: when you're pushing hard to meet ambitious goals, racing against tight deadlines, or finding ways to work more efficiently, incentives can really make a difference. 

They show that your company values your efforts and wants to see more of the same. And guess what? They don't just give them once in a blue moon, but throughout the year to keep you motivated consistently.

Why are staff incentives important?

Incentives do more than just motivate; they also act as coaches. 

Imagine this: when you're pushing hard to meet ambitious goals, racing against tight deadlines, or finding ways to work more efficiently, incentives can really make a difference. 

They show that your company values your efforts and wants to see more of the same. And guess what? They don't just give them once in a blue moon, but throughout the year to keep you motivated consistently.

Moreover, incentives serve as a means of retaining top performers, those people who are constantly hitting their targets get the rewards more frequently. They feel appreciated and valued, and stick around in their role for longer as a result. 

Now, you might be sceptical that simply throwing rewards at your can magically solve all your business challenges around engagement and retention.

Well, you are right. Research indicates that incentives alone don't guarantee improved performance for individuals or companies. The key lies in pairing incentives with recognition.

When incentives are combined with affirmations, praise, and recognition for a job well done, they result in improved performance in terms of both quality and quantity of work.

That’s why we offer a Reward and Recognition module with our Smart Hive employee benefits platform - your staff need to be recognised as well as rewarded for you to get the best out of your employee benefits offering. 

Interested? Learn more about our Reward and Recognition module.

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Ideas for staff incentives

1. Reward experiences: beyond the traditional

When it comes to incentives, we often think about monetary rewards or tangible gifts. While those can be nice, why not think outside the box and offer reward experiences instead?

Imagine being able to choose from a selection of experiences like skydiving, spa retreats, or even a luxury hotel stay. These can create lasting memories and motivate your team in ways that material possessions simply cannot.

These types of rewards not only show appreciation for employees but also provide an opportunity for personal growth and rejuvenation, leaving your staff inspired and motivated to excel.

Interested? Learn more

2. Customised rewards: tailored to individual interests

We all have different passions and interests, so why not let our incentives reflect that?

Customised rewards can make a significant impact on employee motivation. By taking the time to understand our individual preferences, employers can create incentives that resonate with us on a personal level.

Offering eGifts, vouchers that allow your team to choose a gift from a range of retail outlets allows them to buy something personalised and meaningful. They’re a great solution when you are wanting to reward a diverse workforce.

Interested? Learn more. 

3. Wellness incentives: nurturing mind and body

Offering wellness incentives can have a tremendous impact on our performance, both mentally and physically. 

From gym membership discounts to Cycle to Work, these incentives encourage a healthy work-life balance and prioritise self-care.

Maximise performance with staff incentives

Staff incentives play a crucial role in enhancing performance and overall satisfaction at work. By moving beyond traditional rewards and embracing game-changing ideas like reward experiences, customised incentives, and wellness programmes, employers can create an environment that truly maximises employee potential.

Remember, when you show appreciation to your employees, they are more likely to give their best and go that extra mile. 

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