Businesses who show appreciation to their staff will often have better overall performance results. And it makes sense, really. Staff will be more inclined to go above and beyond because they know they’ll be acknowledged for their efforts.

Today I want to talk about rewards and recognition schemes and how you can use them in the workplace to reinforce positive behaviours. Not only do they improve your workplace, they can make your workplace look more attractive to other skilled professionals looking for their next job.

If someone is being recognised or rewarded, it’s because their behaviour or performance in the workplace has had a ripple of positivity throughout their team or wider business. And that can be anything; from pitching in with a critical proposal at short notice, to smashing a work-based target or even just making everyone’s life at work that little bit more pleasant every day.

Taking this approach not only aligns your people to your own objectives; it also empowers them to go the extra mile more often as they’ll not only know the value of their contributions, but also that their actions are having a recognisable and positive effect on the business and people.

Your rewards and recognition programme should be at the heart of your internal communications and the good stuff that goes on in your organisation should be recognised and shouted about often. This could be in the form of a monthly company communication, informal email or something a little more special when someone has really gone above and beyond.

Here are some reward examples that other workplaces are benefiting from...

Cash rewards - bonuses for reaching targets or an annually amount reflecting hard work.

Recognition - Saying thank you or regularly commenting on good work.

Employee of the month scheme - awarding one employee each month with a certificate or a small token. A lot of workplaces that use this strategy also have an employee of the month board where the employee’s photo is placed on the board for all employees to see.

Flexible hours and time off - For example, finish all your tasks by Thursday and take Friday off.