NICE - Simple and Regular (Daily) Team Recognition and Motivation techniques

NICE - Simple and Regular (Daily) Team Recognition and Motivation techniques :-
(CopyRight 2009; Benjamin Goh, www.bensglobal.com)

N for Notes (Post-It, Emails, Memos). "A note a day keeps the employee motivated." As often as you can remember, write a simple note of appreciation or "thank-you" to any employee that has show initiative, integrity, good ideas, team spirit, done her/his best even though the results were not as favorable, good performance, etc.

I for Incentives (Monetary). Very often during the bad times, company cuts on monetary rewards. In fact, the best time to use monetary rewards is during the bad times (economic downturn) since a small amount would mean much. Define the incentives and how they are measured. Make available all information so that its a fair playing ground for all to participate. Be sure to issue an award certificate together with the token monetary award. The certificate can be simply a piece of BOND paper printed using a laser printer and signed off by the direct manager and the managing director (top management) of the company. This award is to be given out once every quarter or half-yearly during a little award celebration party held during the last 2 hours (office hours) and all are served with snacks, drinks or maybe some alcohol.

C for Cards; Birthday & Anniversary. Recognition should be more than just achieving good results. Remembering a special day of an employee like her/his birthday or anniversary of joining date is also as important. If you can, also send a wedding anniversary card to the residence of your employee for their anniversaries. This allows their family to see that the company extends their care and love beyond the office walls.

E for Employee Awards (Best Monthly or Quarterly). As in "Incentives", the Best Employee Award (or Most Helpful Employee Award, etc) could be used to complement the "Incentives" award since there will be employees who, in their very own capacity, will not be able to show significant contribution to the company's bottomline. For example, an administrator would be able to ensure the best filing is done for all project files and as such, all involved in the project can easily access the files for references and accurately understand the situation at hand. Although the administrator is directly involved in the successful completion of the project, the project would not have run so smoothly without good administration and documentation. Similar examples of the above type of appreciated contribution can be rewarded through this award. Once again, a token of monetary award like say US$50 shopping voucher would mean quite a lot during such times.