In Part 1 of our Employee Incentive Ideas in a Down Economy series [PLACE LINK TO EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE IDEAS IN A DOWN ECONOMY PT 1 HERE], we introduced the idea of providing employee incentives even in a down economy and on a strict budget.
Here in Part 2, we take a look at specific incentive ideas that are easy on your small business budget, yet are always appreciated by employees:
PART 2: EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE IDEAS
Casual Days
One of the most requested employee incentives requested by staff from any industry is the ability to enjoy casual days. And why not reward this option liberally? It is absolutely no cost to your business, yet giving casual days as an incentive is highly motivating for your employees. Allow teams or individuals who meet goals the option to dress in jeans and a respectable T-shirt on a specific day, or even every Friday if goals continue to be met.
Thank You Cards
Another ultra-low cost incentive is simply writing a Thank You card and short note to those employees who perform stellar work and exemplify the worker who consistently exceeds expectations. Thank you cards are highly appreciated, and most employees who receive them will likely post them up in their work space as a proud “trophy” of recognition.
Free or Special Parking
Another easy incentive for employees is offering free parking. This is a special incentive particularly if you work in a downtown business district where parking fees are out of reach for most employees. Offer your parking space for a week. Or offer to pay for a month of parking. Even if you have free parking available, choose one or two spaces near the front door reserved especially for “Star” performers.
Pets at the Workplace
Another incentive is allowing employees to bring pets to work. It may be offered as a special “pet day” for those employees who meet the requirements. Or you could even offer to set up a permanent pet daycare in or around your location so employees can have free sitting if a specific goal is met for the year.
Think creatively to come up with similar budget incentive ideas. Remember, employee incentives don’t have to be monetary, and the more you have available, the more your employees will work for them.
