The Greatest Incentive is an Intangible One

After a quick search of "employee incentives" on Google, I found a fascinating article in Business Weekly about A Simple Employee Incentive.

While material rewards like gift cards and company mugs are a great motivator for small tasks, the key to long-term satisfaction seems to be in the small things: a thank you here, a question there.

The article went on to explain, "The ability to make a person feel that, when you're with that person, he or she is the most important (and the only) person in the room is the skill that separates the great from the near-great. Oprah (BusinessWeek.com, 2/2/06) and Bill Clinton have it. When they're talking to you, on camera or off, you feel as if you're the only one who matters to them. It's the skill that defines them."

So how can you incorporate little appreciations into your daily routine? Ask your employees a question once in a while. Even if it's just a simple question of their family or friends, it will make them feel valued on a deeper level.

Once you do know your employees a little better you'll be able to cater gifts to their lifestyle or preference. For example, a marathon runner may not enjoy a cookie tower, but if you give them a sports stopwatch next Christmas they'll know you made an effort and feel truly appreciated. In the long run it'll make a difference throughout the entire office environment.