The festive season is the perfect time for businesses to reward staff for all their hard work throughout the year. Whilst many businesses already have a scheme in place to incentivise and recognise staff, many employees still hope for additional recognition at this time.
One of the most important rules of employee recognition is making sure that rewards are relevant and desirable to each individual. However, it can be difficult for employers to get this right when modern workforces have differing tastes and expectations of how this recognition should be demonstrated.
Iain McMath, CEO of Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services, a leading provider of employee benefits and rewards services, gives his advice on what employers should consider when implementing end-of-year reward strategies to achieve maximum impact and effectiveness.
Give the gifts that employees want
Points-based reward platforms allow employees to save up points awarded to them by their employer and then choose their preferred reward from a rich and varied catalogue. At Christmas, points can be delivered via a festive e-card that includes a personalised message and company branding.
Popular point redemptions during the festive period include Christmas hampers, cases of wine or cosy weekend getaways. Higher-end gifts like designer watches and the latest tablets can also be included, so that all tastes are catered for.
The gift of choice
Multi-choice gift vouchers – such as Sodexo’s SayShopping Pass - are an easy and effective way of rewarding employees that have different likes and interests. Vouchers like these allow employees to choose from a huge array of retailers and are typically considered to be more thoughtful than a simple cash reward. Often presented in gift wallets or boxes, these vouchers have proved extremely popular as they provide employees with ‘the gift of choice’, as well as the perfect accompaniment for the January sales!
SayShopping Pass can be spent in a wide variety of well-known high street stores and food outlets, including John Lewis, Boots, Boux Avenue and Restaurant Choice.
Non-monetary rewards
Of course, employee recognition doesn’t always need to be financial; in such a tough economic climate, not all businesses will be in a position to offer gifts to their employees at Christmas. Sometimes a non-monetary e-card that says ‘thank you for your contribution this year’ is enough to make someone feel appreciated.
Iain McMath, CEO of Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services, said:
“It’s vital that employers take the time to personally thank their staff for all of their hard work and commitment.
Whilst gifts and rewards are an effective tool for recognising and motivating a workforce, employers need to put careful thought into the process to ensure the gesture is genuine. Those employers that regularly recognise their staff and choose rewards that motivate them will benefit from having a happy and productive workforce – not just during the festive season, but throughout the entire year.”
