How to show your employees you appreciate them!

Dec 24, 2020 Features / Columnists, News

---

Christmas Incentives…

By Shikema Dey

Kaieteur News – Staffers who have worked hard for nearly a year (battling a pandemic nonetheless) want and deserve to feel appreciated and valued by their bosses through some form of an incentive.
And with Christmas around the bend, employers are presented with the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships, build employee confidence or possibly unintentionally drop it.
So, what are the best forms of incentives you can use to show your employee that they are valued? No need to look too far. There are some simple and well-thought-out choices that usually do the trick.
And the first, most obvious choice is money$$$.
Cash incentives
The usual goal of working hard is to be rewarded with that needed pay-cheque at the end of the week or month. But bosses should know, many employees deserve a raise or a bonus (or both, if you’re feeling extra jolly).
So, it definitely makes sense that, at Christmas time, employers use bonuses as one of the perfect ways to reward their employees for a year of hard work and loyalty. I mean, who doesn’t love extra money?
What makes this a great choice is that bonuses can be tied to an employee’s stellar performance over the year. We all know that employees are encouraged to give 100 percent throughout the year.
But in reality, productivity can reach peaks if bonus incentives are added. And with spending at an all-time high during the Christmas season, no one wants to walk around with an empty wallet.
Bonus incentives can be tricky though, as it is that it’s pretty hard to personalize the bestowal of a wad of dollar bills. So, if you are looking for another way to show you appreciate your staff, there are other kind ways you can try. But please note, these methods work best if employers are actually familiar with staff and their needs.
Eatables
The Guyanese tradition of creating a spread of all the Christmas delicacies continues to live on. But the ingredients for that delicious pepper-pot, pickled pork, rich black cake and sorrel carry sometimes, a hefty cost.
So, an employer bestowing a hamper containing these very ingredients and even more goodies to their staff is another perfect way to indicate thoughtfulness and add the elusive personal touch that money is unlikely to have.
Of course, there are consumables of the more alcoholic variety, which might be preferred. Guyanese love a good 5-year-old! So, if you know your employee’s likes and dislikes, this is another way in which you can show you care.
Tickets
It could be tickets to the upcoming cricket matches (HERO CPL perhaps), or to the latest show in town or even tickets to see the latest smash hit at the cinemas. Although, with COVID-19 around, there aren’t many events to attend, tickets have still proven to be an excellent “employer to employee” gesture.
As with eatables, however, worker’s reaction is very subjective so it would be necessary that one do their homework first before choosing what kind of ticket or even choosing a ticket at all.
Gift cards
While gift cards are popularly used as birthday gifts, they can equally double as an employee incentive as well.
It ensures that employees can get their Christmas shopping done, but at no cost to their own pockets and leave them with the option of picking up a few extra Christmas goodies that the card didn’t cover.
The only criticism of this method is that it has a price cap and a rather limited scope allowed.
A little time off (PAID OF COURSE!)
We all know that there are a few businesses that are essential and obligated to work through the Christmas holidays. But let’s face it, most employees have families, friends and loved ones who they would rather be spending time with than working at the office.
While there are the employees who make a conscious effort to work as per normal, they still need time to balance Christmas shopping and activities with their families.
And balancing the two can be stressful so if you can, why not give your employees paid time off for the holidays as their incentive?
Many employees can only dream of being able to stay away from work and still keep their job, so such a generous gesture would not go unnoticed by staff. And who knows? Come January, there might be a line of eager recruits who’ve heard of this policy and want to join your team.
Vacation
Most workers dream of being sent on an all-expense paid trip as part of their holiday package. And it is a luxury afforded to many company executives. But sadly, it is just that; a luxury.
Whatever method of incentive chosen, bosses should remember that their employees are less likely to forget the way they were treated, particularly at Christmas.
So, put a smile on their face this Christmas. Make it one they won’t forget, but in a good way of course.

---

---