10 Great Ideas to Reward Your Employees

Gift cards: Keep a supply of gift cards to nearby lunchtime favorites or stores that many people enjoy. Hand them out to employees who meet big goals, complete a lengthy project or on holidays/birthdays.

 Sponsor a lunch: After launching a new product/service or achieving another landmark, sponsor a team lunch to express your appreciation for all of the hard work that went into that goal.

 Bonuses: Deliver bonus checks to deserving employees. The extra compensation often encourages employees to continue their hard work so they can earn another bonus in the future.

 Half days: Every now and then, let your employees have a half day—or at least release them a few hours early. It’ll make them happy that they work for a company that does nice things just because.

 Recognition: Mention employees who performed well in a company-wide meeting or email. This costs nothing, but the recognition often means more than money to workers.

 Movie tickets: Purchase tickets that can be used for any movie and present a pair to deserving employees.

 Awards: Choose an employee of the month and offer him or her a reward, such as a framed photo in the lobby, an extra-long lunch, a lottery ticket etc.

 Birthday cake: Buy a sheet cake each month to celebrate all employees who have a birthday that month. It’s a fun, nice thing to do to show your employees that you care.

 Deliveries: If an employee spends long hours at the office for several weeks to complete a project, send flowers or a gift basket to his or her spouse as thanks for their tolerance.

 Happy hour: If your employees plan informal happy hours after work, treat deserving employees to a drink or two.