What's the big deal about recognition?

With such high-turnover rates in today's business, recognizing achievement has never been so important. Recognizing achievement stimulates professional pride, motivation and keeps employees happy. Everyone likes to be noticed for their achievements, it brings a sense of self-worth and accomplishment and helps employees feel like they are a part of a team. These programs can encourage company loyalty and add stability to their respective professions, by including requisites for company longevity as part of merit recognition criteria.

The great debate: Cash vs. Gifts

Giving gifts instead of cash as incentives can help employees set physical goals for improved results on the job. A goal of earning a family trip or a new set of golf clubs is something that can be visualized, this helps employees paint a picture of their goals and what they need to do to accomplish them. Of course, cash is always preferred, but you never want to confuse recognition with compensation. When you pay people for doing a good job, it becomes part of their salary expectations. A gift, however is a luxury separate form compensation that shows respect and commends accomplishment. A gift has staying power, money is spent and forgotten about.