- It really is the thought that counts. When an employee receives a gift that he wouldn't typically buy for himself, he tends to put greater value on that benefit.
- As a business owner you may hate to admit it, but there is one benefit that is guaranteed to motivate employees: a day off. Whether it's a Friday off every other month or the chance to work at home occasionally, granting that extra time away from work can do wonders for morale.
- Give spot bonuses. These are gifts you give to individual employees to recognize an achievement that went beyond the call of duty. Present spot bonuses with some fanfare, and do it often enough so that all employees know that they have a chance of receiving one.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Consider the popular choice: gift cards
A great way to customize an employee benefit without spending a fortune is to give gift cards that are tailored to the employee's favorite pastime.I recommend: GiftCertificates.com is a one-stop shop for gift cards for travel, entertainment, books, dining out, fashions and more. GiftCertificates.com also includes the option of customized paper gift certificates. Starbucks offers corporate rates to businesses that purchase Starbucks debit cards. Employees can use the debit cards (which function like gift cards) to buy beverages, food, or merchandise at any Starbucks. If you prefer to expand your employees' gift choices give, a MasterCard or Visa gift card. Employees can use them wherever those companies' credit cards are accepted.
Offer complementary air miles
Ease your employees' vacation budget by helping them reduce or eliminate the cost of air travel.I recommend: Airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Airlines have programs that let companies present employees with frequent flyer miles. At AirIncentives you can purchase frequent flyer miles from several North American Airlines.
Healthy health club discounts
Many health clubs offer corporate discounts on health club memberships that you can pass along to employees.I recommend: Talk to your local health clubs about their corporate programs. Among nationwide chains that offer corporate discounts are 24-Hour Fitness and Bally's Total Fitness.
Give a work-at-home break
Employees whose work can be done at home, can enjoy the option of telecommuting for a specified number of days or weeks per year. The work-at-home option has the added benefit of helping you reduce absenteeism.I recommend: The International Telework Association & Council offers guidelines for setting up and implementing telecommuting programs.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- When you have excess inventory that employees might want, offer it to them free or at a discount,
- Set up a reward program that allows employees who have met a particular goal to choose their bonus.
- Be consistent. When handing out a benefit such as gift cards, give the same card to everyone in a department.
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