Meet attraction, retention and motivation goals by maximizing the role of rewards and recognition in the employee motivation mix.

The latest research has made a very strong case for non-cash rewards and recognition programs for employees today. Rewards and recognition are used to reinforce specific behaviors that are both measurable and subjective. The Forum for People Performance Management and Measurement has done research indicating that employee recognition is the most commonly used motivational tactic. The key is to determine the right mix of rewards and recognition along with other compensation and benefits strategies at your company. Below are some questions that will help you identify appropriate employee recognition program ideas for your organization.

Have you evaluated which rewards and recognition are most valued by your employees? Researchers have found that fewer than half of U.S. companies have undertaken systematic review of their employee recognition programs. Today’s employees are less enthusiastic about token items such as pens or lapel pins, which means today’s employers need to consider more progressive employee recognition program ideas.

Is your organization going through, or about to embark on, significant changes such as new products, an acquisition, a merger or layoffs? If so, you should consider employee recognition program ideas designed to influence the specific new behavior desired. More initiatives typically mean that a company’s employee recognition programs will need to offer more and varied options and events.

Do you have solid communications strategies and tools in place to complement and reinforce your employee recognition programs? Communication is the packaging that keeps people informed, motivated and feeling part of something bigger.

Do you provide both formal and informal recognition? Not all rewards and recognition need to be formal and planned. Informal recognition, such as spontaneous recognition and rewards or bringing in lunch or doughnuts, will help build a culture of recognition. Casual, reactionary recognition is an important component of an effective employee recognition program strategy.

When employees leave your organization, do you ask them why they’re leaving? Their answers can shed great light on what’s working, or not working, in your current employee recognition program.

A comprehensive employee recognition program is just one component of a successful employee motivation and rewards strategy. Compensation, benefits, training, and rewards and recognition all play a role in helping your organization achieve the right mix.

Read the full article from the Performance Improvement Council for more insights on how to find the right mix of compensation, benefits, training, rewards and recognition to optimize your organization’s efforts.