23 Ways to Boost Morale at Your Company Using Incentives
I want to share with you 23 awesome ways you can use incentives to uplift the spirit and motivation within your company. So, let’s dive in and discover some fantastic strategies that will help us create a more positive and inspiring work environment!
1. Celebrate milestones: Whether it’s completing a big project or hitting a significant target, let’s take the time to acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments together.
2. Employee recognition: Recognize the hard work and effort that each member of our team puts in, and publicly commend their contributions. A little praise can go a long way!
3. Team-building activities: Plan fun and engaging activities that allow us to bond and build stronger relationships with our colleagues. It’s not just about work; building a supportive team dynamic is crucial for a healthy work environment.
4. Flexible work options: Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or alternative schedules, can be a tremendous incentive for employees and boost their morale.
5. Learning and development opportunities: Encourage professional growth by providing opportunities for skill development, training programs, or even supporting further education.
6. Wellness incentives: Promote a healthy lifestyle by offering wellness incentives like gym memberships, mindfulness programs, or even yoga classes. Taking care of ourselves leads to a happier and more productive workplace.
7. Fun contests and challenges: Organize exciting and friendly competitions that allow employees to showcase their skills and creativity. It adds a bit of excitement to the everyday routine!
8. Gather feedback: Regularly seek feedback from employees and genuinely listen to their opinions and ideas. It shows that their voices are valued and that their contributions matter.
9. Mentorship programs: Establish mentorship programs that pair experienced individuals with those who want to grow and succeed. It’s an excellent way to foster a sense of support and collaboration.
10. Company outings: Plan occasional team outings or social events outside of work to strengthen the sense of camaraderie and create lasting memories together.
11. Casual dress days: Implement casual dress days, allowing employees to express their individuality and feel more comfortable at work. A small change can make a big difference!
12. Employee of the month: Recognize outstanding performance by highlighting an employee of the month. This not only motivates the individual but also inspires others to strive for excellence.
13. Family events: Consider hosting events where employees can bring their families along. It shows that we value their personal lives and strengthens the sense of belonging within our company.
14. Volunteer opportunities: Encourage employees to give back to the community by organizing volunteer activities. It’s a great way to promote teamwork while making a positive impact on society.
15. Performance bonuses: Reward exceptional performance with bonuses tied to individual or team achievements. It’s a great way to acknowledge hard work and inspire others to reach for the stars!
16. Personal development stipends: Offer stipends for employees to invest in personal growth, such as attending conferences or purchasing educational materials. Supporting their growth shows that we value their potential.
17. Employee well-being initiatives: Establish programs or resources that support employee well-being, such as mental health support, stress management workshops, or access to counseling services.
18. Surprise treats: Surprise our team with small treats like coffee or snacks to add some delight and show appreciation for their dedication.
19. Brag boards: Create a physical or virtual space where employees can showcase their achievements or share inspiring stories. It’s a great way to boost morale and create a sense of pride within the company.
20. Encourage breaks: Encourage employees to take regular breaks and recharge. A well-rested mind is more productive and creative!
21. Internal promotions: Give employees opportunities for growth and advancement within the company. Recognize their potential and provide them with a clear path for career development.
22. Anniversary celebrations: Celebrate employee anniversaries with personalized messages or small gifts to show appreciation for their long-term commitment and dedication.
23. Ask for input: Finally, the most important thing is to ask for input directly from our employees. After all, who knows better than them what incentives would truly inspire and motivate them?
So there you have it, 23 exciting ways to boost morale through incentives at our company. I hope these ideas spark some creativity and help us create an outstanding work environment that energizes and inspires us all. Let’s get started and make a positive difference together!
So you’ve got a great team of employees, and they were really excited to start working with you. But keeping them happy can be tricky sometimes. What exactly do your employees want? Well, perks can definitely help motivate them, but they come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why I reached out to 23 entrepreneurs to get their advice on how to keep employees happy.
It can be a challenge to keep employee morale high. What perks have you found most effective for keeping your employees enthusiastic and loyal?
Contents
- 1 Boosting Morale with Benefits
- 1.1 1. Surprise Acts of Appreciation
- 1.2 2. Fun Times with the Team
- 1.3 3. Rewards for Passionate Workers
- 1.4 4. Awesome Perks that Showcase Our Company Culture
- 1.5 5. Support for Personal Goals and Hobbies
- 1.6 7. Working Remotely for Longer Periods
- 1.7 8. Creating Comfortable and Flexible Work Spaces
- 1.8 9. Team Lunches for Everyone
- 1.9 10. Professional Development Conferences
- 1.10 11. Support from Managers to Help Employees
- 1.11 12. Making Happy Hour a Regular Thing
- 1.12 13. Fun Outings for Boosting Team Spirit
- 1.13 14. Adventures and Friendship
- 1.14 15. Balancing Work and Life
- 1.15 16. Awesome Rewards for Awesome Work
- 1.16 17. Taking Good Care of Your Health
- 1.17 18. Boosting Sales
- 1.18 19. Freedom and Empowerment
- 1.19 20. Plenty of Time to Relax
- 1.20 21. Amazing Opportunities for Learning and Growth
- 1.21 22. Incredible Colleagues and Teammates
- 1.22 23. Employees with Shared Values and a Common Vision
Boosting Morale with Benefits
Here are some insights from members of the YEC community:
1. Surprise Acts of Appreciation
In my retail experience, one thing we found to be incredibly valuable for our employees was unexpected shows of appreciation. Whether it was a surprise bonus, a day off, free products, or even a nice lunch, these unexpected gestures always meant more than anything we could have planned in advance. They created lasting impressions and showed us that our employees’ performance went beyond just the numbers.
2. Fun Times with the Team
We make sure to regularly plan team events outside of the office, such as 5K runs, volunteering, and celebrations. These activities give everyone a chance to take a break from the normal work routine and really get to know each other on a personal level. Building these personal relationships helps to strengthen trust, empathy, and collaboration, which ultimately carries over into our work environment.
3. Rewards for Passionate Workers
When I’m considering potential team members, I don’t just look at their resumes. Resumes are important, of course, but I place a greater emphasis on passion. Passionate individuals have an incredible ability to motivate themselves and they will always find ways to solve problems. On the other hand, someone who lacks passion will simply clock in and out without giving their best. So when you’re hiring, choose people who are genuinely excited about your company and the problem you’re trying to solve. I remember this one time when I actually hired my Uber driver because he was so persistent and passionate about joining our team. It turned out to be a great decision! – Andy Karuza, FenSens
4. Awesome Perks that Showcase Our Company Culture
I wouldn’t say there’s just one special benefit, since different things matter to different people. But there are a few things that our team members really appreciate about our company’s culture. One of those things is the option to work from home. Our company is global, with team members all around the world. Most, if not all, of our team members find this incredibly valuable. We also provide a wellness benefit that reimburses team members each quarter to help them meet their health goals. – Robert Glazer, Acceleration Partners
5. Support for Personal Goals and Hobbies
I like to focus on providing perks that encourage the team to prioritize their personal time and enjoy pursuing their own goals outside of work. For example, I’ve sent running shoes to one of my writers who is focused on her health, and I’ve given gift cards to hobby websites for one of my developers. – John Rampton, Calendar
Last year, we started a new schedule at our company where we only work four days a week, and I have to say, it’s been a big hit! We already had the option to work from home and had flexible schedules, but giving everyone a three-day weekend every week has really boosted morale.
7. Working Remotely for Longer Periods
We recently introduced a new policy that allows employees to work remotely for extended periods of time. If an employee has been with us for at least two years, they can take up to six weeks of continuous work-remote. The only requirement is that they still overlap work hours with our headquarters in Chicago for at least five hours a day. This policy is perfect for those who love to travel long-term, especially millennials. It’s a much better option than quitting your job just to be able to travel.
8. Creating Comfortable and Flexible Work Spaces
Working from home can be a great perk for employees. It allows them to work in a comfortable environment and have more flexibility. However, it also requires them to be responsible with their time management. This means they need to stay focused and get their work done without the usual office distractions. It separates the dedicated workers from the rest, as they are able to thrive in this setup.
9. Team Lunches for Everyone
Every Wednesday, I organize a special lunch for our team. It’s catered by different restaurants and open to all team members, whether they work in the office or remotely. This not only keeps everyone motivated in the middle of the week but also gives us a chance to connect with our telecommuting colleagues. It makes them feel included and part of the team.
10. Professional Development Conferences
11. Support from Managers to Help Employees
Unhappy workers don’t leave companies, they leave managers who aren’t good at their jobs. But on the bright side, managers who communicate well, show compassion during tough times, and constantly invest in their teams can help keep employees loyal. It’s important to invest in your managers by having discussions about difficult situations and learning from each other. The result will be a positive work environment based on trust and high morale. – David Ciccarelli, Voices.com
12. Making Happy Hour a Regular Thing
Having a regular happy hour, either weekly or every other week, is something that never gets old as long as you keep things fresh. Whether you change the menu or try out different venues, happy hour is a fantastic way to bring your team closer together and have a good time. – Patrick Barnhill, Specialist ID, Inc.
13. Fun Outings for Boosting Team Spirit
Did you know that simple activities like going to the beach, having a barbecue, or grabbing some appetizers at a local bar can make your team happier? When we spend time together outside of work, we feel more connected, and our overall morale improves. Plus, when I treat you well, my positive energy rubs off on you! So let’s plan some fun outings to boost team spirit!
14. Adventures and Friendship
I believe it’s important for us to bond outside of the office too. How about we organize company events like roller skating, participating in parades, or even volunteering together? When we get to know each other better, we’ll be excited to work together, collaborate, and share innovative ideas to help our company grow. I want us to build a strong team by fostering friendship and adventure!
15. Balancing Work and Life
16. Awesome Rewards for Awesome Work
You know, getting a bonus feels just as good as a raise, but without the pressure of a big permanent salary increase. Bonuses and raises are like little pats on the back that let employees know they’re doing a great job. And let me tell you, when you feel appreciated, it’s like a spark that ignites your enthusiasm. So here’s what we can do: we can create a bonus system where you have the opportunity to earn a bonus every year if you meet certain performance goals. The key is to make those goals clear and achievable. And guess what? The size of the bonus doesn’t have to be huge to have an impact. Trust me, the boost in productivity and creativity will make it totally worth it. – Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker
17. Taking Good Care of Your Health
At our company, we don’t just offer health insurance for our employees. We actually cover the cost of their coverage and their family’s coverage too. By showing our employees that we truly care about their well-being, both physically and mentally, we’re making an investment that pays off in the long run. When employees see that their health care is taken care of, they’re more likely to stick around. This means less turnover and higher morale, which outweigh the cost of providing this peace of mind. – Doug Bend, Bend Law Group, PC
18. Boosting Sales
19. Freedom and Empowerment
Freedom and empowerment are the best things about having unlimited time off. When you trust your team to manage their own time, it shows that you really believe in them. This trust helps us stay motivated, prevent burnout, and gives us the freedom to spend time with our loved ones when it matters most. – Eric Mathews, Start Co.
20. Plenty of Time to Relax
No matter how fun and exciting our office is, there’s nothing quite like being able to relax at home or go on vacation. Unfortunately, many companies don’t give their employees enough paid time off. But when we have plenty of time off, we can take care of ourselves and our personal needs without any worries. It’s a huge benefit for all of us. – Kristy Knichel, Knichel Logistics
21. Amazing Opportunities for Learning and Growth
Let me tell you something awesome: when companies give their employees time and money to learn new things, it helps keep us excited and motivated. The top-notch employees like me are always eager to improve and grow. When our company supports our education and provides us with training, it’s a win-win situation. The company benefits from having a more skilled and capable team, and we get the chance to enhance our skills and expand our career opportunities.
22. Incredible Colleagues and Teammates
I want to share a secret to having an amazing work experience. It’s all about having awesome co-workers who are driven and full of energy. Trust me, having the right people around you makes a huge difference. Of course, this means that the company needs to create an incredible culture that attracts and retains such fantastic individuals. But here’s the thing: if people who don’t contribute their fair share join the team, it brings down the overall standard for everyone else. So, it’s crucial to have high standards when it comes to the people we work with.