Oftentimes, as the busy weeks go on, it can be easy to get lost in the fold. As a business, we want our employees to feel like genuine members of an actual community and culture. We want our employees to feel that they’re working not only for a company but for each other as well.

This is why it’s so important for us to acknowledge the efforts of employees on an individual basis. We need to reward our teams as a whole and each of the special people that make up those teams.

With incentive pay, you can reward an individual, letting them know that their high performance or extra efforts have been noticed and appreciated. At the same time, you motivate them to continue on, building off of that momentum.

Types of Incentive Pay That Highlight Individuals

REPLACE WITH IMAGE

Incentive pay is a type of reward that provides some compensation for hard work but also honors the individual who performed well.

Here are some great ways to highlight the individual with incentive pay:

• Find out what kind of dining a particular employee likes and reward them with a night out in the form of an eGift. An eGift card to their favorite restaurant would make them feel known on a more personal level. It lets them know you think they deserve a night off with friends, enjoying good food and drinks.

• Make conversation and get to know your employees’ hobbies and interests. Then, find an eGift that can encourage them to pursue their passion and keep burn-out at bay!

For example, an eGift card to buy games or gaming accessories would be perfect if an employee likes gaming. Or maybe if they're into fitness, they would like some athleisure wear or an eGift card for sports and fitness equipment.

• Offer paid half days or full days off. While this isn’t directly a monetary gift, time is money, as the saying goes. When an individual or team pulls together a stellar presentation or meets a tight deadline, give them a paid day off. Extra paid time off is an especially fantastic treat for hourly or salaried employees without unlimited PTO.

By encouraging a vibrant life outside of work, employees come to the workspace feeling bright and freshly motivated. Studies have shown that employees feel better when they can express their individuality and work better as an organized team.

Writing a Personalized Message to Build a Connection

As individuals, it's not vain to say that we all like to be seen as people rather than only as employees.

While holiday gifts are always appreciated by the team when those special days come around, sometimes a more unexpected gift really helps a person know that they stand out. Write a message that shows the employee that you appreciate them as a person.

Here’s how to make it memorable:

• Include a funny GIF with your eGift card message, something that may highlight a particular quirk of your workplace, or references some media you know they enjoy.

• Write a note detailing what makes that employee stand out as a person. Do this before you reference their high performance. Show them you see them for the individual they are. Acknowledge the hard work they’ve done, especially the time and energy they have given.

According to Gallup, the most meaningful recognition comes from immediate managers. This recognition carries the most weight, as direct leaders will be the most familiar with the worker’s accomplishments.

• Attach a video referencing a life event or new development in that person’s life. Record a personalized message telling that employee what they mean to the company face-to-face. Hearing that, rather than reading it, can go a long way.

Luckily, here at Prezzee, we make it easy to attach a personalized note, video, or funny GIF to an eGift. Now you can really show your team members that you’re paying attention and appreciate who they are. Whether it’s a branded image, individually penned accolades, or a video from the leadership team, bring your personality to the presents!

Incentive Pay Motivates Individuals to Work as a Team

REPLACE WITH IMAGE

When team members see how their efforts boost the community, there’s no longer a question of motivation.

Sometimes we can get so focused on the task of the whole team that we forget we’re all just individual people trying our best to work through another week. When we focus our efforts on not only completing that task but also carrying our team members with us, the whole culture benefits.

Let Prezzee Help You Inspire Your Team!

At Prezzee, we take this message to heart by providing a catalog of hundreds of eGifts companies to reward their employees. Our catalog makes it easy to find meaningful, personalized gifts that encourage and motivate the individuals that make up your workplace community.

If this sounds like a great way to raise the spirit of your company’s culture, register today with us at Prezzee Business for a free account.

Keep a Vibrant Work Culture

REPLACE WITH IMAGE

We hope this guide has helped you imagine some great ways to use incentive pay! On our blog, you can find even more in-depth guides and practical advice to keep your workplace happy and vibrant. We’ve got great blogs on holiday gifting, Employee Appreciation Day, and more!

The more creative you get with your rewards, the more your workplace culture will benefit.

Sources:

Understanding the Physical Environment of Work and Employee Behavior: An Affective Events Perspective | Wiley Online Library

5 Reasons Why You Should Give Gifts to Employees Any Time of Year | Entrepreneur

Research: How Incentive Pay Affects Employee Engagement, Satisfaction, and Trust | Harvard Business Review

Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact | Gallup