What Is an Employee Reward?

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An employee reward is an incentive designed to motivate team members and show appreciation for a job well done.

Why Do Companies Offer Employee Rewards?

Companies want to improve the quality of the service they provide so they can be sure of their brand’s good reputation. They also want to ensure their employees’ satisfaction, since high morale leads to better productivity, which can help generate more money for the business. Finding an effective way to reach these goals is paramount for success. One option that business owners often turn to is giving employee rewards.

These days, we live in a highly competitive business climate, and many companies are jostling for consumers’ attention. Recruiting top talent is vital if a brand is to stand out from the crowd. By creating a positive workplace culture and a reputation for a good working environment, companies can attract more skilled workers. As a result, the team becomes stronger and more productive, giving the brand a competitive edge.

Companies also don’t want to lose their employees to rival brands. It costs money to recruit and train new workers. Therefore, it makes sense to retain the ones that they already have by keeping them satisfied in their positions.

Employees have a greater likelihood of remaining with an employer if they’re happy. They’re also more likely to do their best work. That is where showing appreciation comes in.

Everyone likes to receive praise when they do something well. When companies show their appreciation for their team members’ efforts, they retain those teams more easily and boost the productivity of their workforce. Employee rewards are a tangible way to show this appreciation.

Recognition and reward programs for employees positively impact employee motivation and engagement levels. When workers know their company will reward them for doing well, they’ll try harder to impress. As a result, customer service improves, employees are more productive, and profits increase.

The Benefits of Giving an Employee Reward

Employee rewards don’t just benefit the workers; they also benefit the employers by:

  • Making employees more motivated. They work harder and are more productive, boosting the business’s revenue. A more motivated and productive workforce also strengthens the reputation of the brand.
  • Reducing staff turnover. When employees feel appreciated for the hard work they do, they are less likely to leave the company. That reduces costs and hassle for the business, as they don’t need to advertise for and train new staff members.
  • Encouraging the most skilled and talented applicants to work for the company. Knowing that the company rewards its employees for their achievements can persuade top talent to apply for vacancies.
  • Making customers happier. If employees have a positive attitude about their jobs, they will give customers better service. Happy customers are loyal customers. That helps give the business an edge over its competitors.

What Forms Can an Employee Reward Take?

Employee rewards can be financial or non-financial. Non-financial rewards have their place in any business. They include:

  • Verbal praise
  • Written praise such as thank-you cards or notes
  • Public praise such as employee-of-the-month photos or certificates in the workplace
  • Extra time off
  • Staff appreciation events such as social activities
  • Perks like free meals

Financial rewards, which are particularly effective for motivating team members, include:

  • Salary increases
  • Spot bonuses
  • Gift cards

Although financial employee rewards are effective, they require some careful handling. Salary increases and bonuses are costly and therefore can be used only occasionally. Also, giving only certain employees raises or bonuses can create resentment among those who didn’t receive them.

Why Are Gift Cards Such a Good Choice for Employee Rewards?

Gift cards represent an ideal choice for employee rewards because:

  • They show appreciation without altering the official compensation package.
  • They are very versatile.
  • They allow the employee to choose the most suitable gift for themselves rather than having it chosen for them.
  • They are flexible and can fit different budgets and purposes.
  • They come in different types for a wide range of stores and brands.
  • They come in different currencies to suit overseas workers.
  • You can send them by email for convenience.
  • They are suitable for both onsite and remote employees.
  • They give employees a memorable experience that makes them feel more positive about their workplace.

BHN Rewards offers an excellent choice of gift cards for all types of workers and companies. Whether you’re looking for a prepaid Visa or Mastercard or a store gift card, BHN Rewards can help.

Related Topics:

Keeping Remote Employees Engaged With Digital Rewards

7 Can’t-Miss Opportunities to Reward & Recognize Employees

Use Digital Rewards That Show Employees You Care