Workforce Management: Recognizing Top Performers Without Breaking the Budget

September 20th, 2011 by Skywalk Group Categories: News

Recognizing Top Performers

Top performers need to receive recognition for their performance, contributions and dedication to the team.   Not only is it a feedback mechanism for top performers, but also to those observing on the sidelines.  Observation of the positive consequences of successes is one of several ways we all learn.

Not all recognition and rewards need to be made in monetary form.  Keep in mind that the best recognition is timely and meaningful to the person being recognized.   For any department with a budget limiting recognition to monetary form restricts the frequency and impact that immediate, personalized recognition affords.

While there are many creative ideas, here is a personal example that required little out-of-pocket expense but proved to be meaningful recognition.  My team had recently completed a challenging project that had many moving parts and a tight deadline. Shortly after the project was complete I found a card on my desk when I arrived in the morning.  Inside was a $10 gift card to Barnes & Nobel with a personalized thank you from my boss.

Why it worked:

1. It was personal, meaningful, and identified a specific behavior that was appreciated.  My boss knew me well enough to know I enjoyed reading and would value the opportunity to purchase a new book.

2.  It was immediate.  I didn’t have to wait until my next review to know my efforts were appreciated.

3.  It was unexpected.  To me, I was just doing what was required to get the job done.  Often, the best recognition is unexpected.

4.  It was long lasting.  Every time I open the book I bought with the gift card, or the note I saved, I remember why I received it.

Need more ideas to recognize your workforce without breaking the budget?  Join the Skywalk Group’s October session of the Workforce Management Exchange, a free live webinar lead by Skywalk Group to exchange ideas about how to enhance your workforce management practices.  Click here to register today!

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