Some non-monetary rewards in the work place

Employees today are ravenous for encouragement and positive feedback, but few feel they are receiving it. Here are the five top non-monetary rewards in the workplace that employees want:

1. Opportunity to Learn, Develop and Advance as an Employee.

Employees understand they need to grow, learn and develop new skills in order to advance. The ability to be able to choose their assignments and rise to new challenges offered by new responsibilities.

2. Flexible Hours.

Family, children, friends, church, sports, hobbies and other activities all have demands on today's employees. A flexible schedule or the occasional afternoon off can help employees meet some of these obligations. By allowing some flexibility in an employees schedule you can increase their desire and motivation. This, to some, is considered the most important of the non-monetary rewards in the workplace.

<3. Recognition.

In today's high paced work environment it is reported that employees consider it very rare and infrequent that they receive recognition of their work and efforts. Think about it - What better way to have employees continue their good work and success then to offer them praise-verbal, written or ideally a public announcement? Recognition is probably the most sought after of the non-monetary rewards in the workplace.

4. The Opportunity to Contribute.

The opportunity to be part of the team. To work closely with managers and management. To be involved in key decisions. To be listened to and heard. 5. Independence and Autonomy.

Employees want to be able to work independently. They do not want someone constantly watching over them and questioning their every move. They like to receive their assignments -preferable with the time frame required for completion and then have the independence to complete the work given the guidelines and framework you have set on their own merits. This may not be seen as one of the more obvious non-monetary rewards in the workplace, but it is definitely an important one.
These benefits can go a long way in creating employee/employer loyalty and respect. This clearly demonstrates there are many points, besides money, to consider when you establish your management and employee policies. Here are some ways you can give non-monetary rewards in the workplace to help you recognize people more often. You'll be amazed at how receptive employees are.

Written Words • Handwritten thank you notes • A letter of appreciation in the employee file • Handwritten cards to mark celebratory occasions • Recognition posted on the employee bulletin board • Contribution noted in the company newsletter

Positive Attention from Supervisory Staff • Stop by an individual's workstation or office to talk informally • Provide frequent positive performance feedback – at least weekly • Provide public praise at a staff meeting • Take the employee out to lunch.

Encourage Employee Development • Send people to conferences and seminars • Ask people to present a summary of what they learned at a conference or seminar at a department meeting • Work out a written employee development plan • Make career development commitments and a schedule

Symbols and Honors • Framed or unframed certificates to hang on the wall or file • Engraved plaques • Larger work area or office • More and better equipment • Provide status symbols, whatever they are in your organization

These are just some of the non-monetary rewards in the workplace. Think about what is important to your employees and we're certain you can add to the list.