All of us love it whenever we receive appreciation for a job well done. For many of us, our jobs mean so much more than just a 9 to 5. However, with the change in work due to the pandemic, all employees can’t receive encouragement and appreciation for the job. Many are still working remotely or have a hybrid work setting, and it can become challenging for even the employer to appreciate their employees for the hard work they do. As a leader, it is important to take the necessary steps and ensure that the employees are happy with the organization. It will also increase their loyalty towards the company. As the year comes to a close, it is time to look for different ways to reward your employees. Let’s take a look at unique employee reward ideas to help you end the year on a high note.
Offer a flexible work schedule
One of the best ways to reward employees is by offering them a flexible work schedule and this includes allowing them to enjoy non-traditional work hours. You have already seen their productivity during the pandemic when everyone was working from home, so now you know that your employees are highly motivated and productive. When you allow them the flexibility to work at any hour, it will improve their productivity and give them the freedom to work when they are most motivated.
Pay for their professional development
A way to show your appreciation towards the employees is to look for different ways you can help them grow. A lot of employees are happy when the employers go the extra mile and offer to pay for their professional development. Look for professional development classes based on the industry you operate in and provide an opportunity for your team to enroll in them. It will create a sense of well-being and will enhance their loyalty.
Organize a fun awards night
You can organize a fun awards night at the end of the year and reward the best employees. This is a chance to motivate the team and inspire everyone to be better in the coming year. You can give glass awards to the employees who have reached a milestone, made significant progress in the company, or bagged a major client for you. It is just a sign of appreciation and a way of telling the team that you are happy to have them in your organization.
Get them a gym subscription
Reward your employees by inspiring them to become healthy. Pay for their fitness program or gym subscription and ensure that they are physically active at all times. Many employees get so tangled up in their professional and personal lives that they do not consider joining a fitness class, but when you gift them a subscription, they will be inspired to take the first step. If they use the subscription, they will feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Pay for their music streaming service
Music can inspire a lot of us, and several music streaming platforms have become a big part of our lives. By paying for their favorite service, you ensure that the employees save money while enjoying their favorite songs and artists. You can offer to pay for three months or six months’ worth of subscriptions and reward them. It is very thoughtful and will make them feel appreciated and seen.
Offer a wellness program
A lot of employees might be struggling with their mental health, and as an employer, you must be there for them. A wellness program can be an excellent employee reward, and they can use it during the end-of-the-year holidays. It will show the employees that you are interested in their health and well-being. You need to set a budget and look for wellness programs that fit into it. You need to be aware of the fitness and wellness goals of the employees and they will get to enjoy the rewards whenever they need a break.
Besides these rewards, you can also publicly praise their work and ensure that they get even better at it. Send an email saying thank you or give a shout-out on Slack if you have a distributed team. Even granting extra vacation days is a great way to show care and appreciation to the team. It will make it convenient for the team to break away from work and take some time off.
If you want to grow your business, you need to understand that it is your team that is making everything happen. The more you recognize and appreciate them, the higher their loyalty and efforts will be. One cannot win alone, but when you work as a team, the chances of getting to the top will be higher.