5 Ways to Leverage Awards for Employee Motivation in 2024

Why do some businesses consistently hit the mark while others struggle to stay afloat? The answer might surprise you, but success for companies often depends on how motivated and engaged - or unmotivated and disengaged - their employees are.

In fact, we’d go as far as to say that the key to business success is employee engagement. After all, motivated and engaged employees are committed and hard-working employees, which can not only boost your overall productivity, but also innovation, and ultimately bottom line.

But how do you motivate your employees effectively? With fair compensation (and benefits), yes; but that alone is not enough. Most employees, especially high performers, need more than just a paycheck. 

They seek recognition, growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging - and these things cannot be obtained through money alone. They can, however, come through various awards and recognitions. Here are some of the most effective ones below.

Celebrate Milestones and Anniversaries

Work anniversaries or project completions are ideal times to reflect on your teams’ contributions and celebrate them. Simple gestures, like personalized notes or small celebrations, like an office party or dinner, can mean a lot and leave lasting impressions.

Acknowledging these milestones publicly is the way to go because this reinforces an employee’s importance within the organization, boosting morale and encouraging a sense of belonging. Celebrations are also, simply put, fun, and can energize teams by providing a break from the routine and a chance to think about collective achievements.

Give Out Yearly Trophies

Physical awards can sometimes feel more “real” than praise or even monetary rewards. For example, yearly trophies for standout performers can oftentimes feel like badges of honor, and many employees will cherish them for years.

Order trophies, make a small celebration (or big, depending on the achievement), and give them to your high achievers along with plenty of words of praise, and they’re guaranteed to feel appreciated and recognized, which is key to keeping them motivated.

Offer Shopping Gift Cards

Offering shopping gift cards caters to diverse tastes so it’s a great method for rewarding multiple employees at once. Whether someone fancies the latest gadget or a new read, gift cards provide the freedom to choose.

Because they are so personalized, they show that you value individual preferences. Unlike generic awards, like giving everyone the same gym membership, gift cards allow employees to select something they genuinely want or need, making the reward more meaningful and appreciated.

Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements

In this day and age, flexibility isn’t a mere perk; it’s become an expectation for many employees. Allowing flexible hours or remote work options acknowledges employees’ need for work-life balance. It’s a trust-based approach that can translate to heightened productivity and job satisfaction.

Employees who feel their personal needs are respected are more likely to stay engaged and loyal to the company. Flexibility can be seen as a reward in itself, as it gives employees the autonomy to manage their schedules, which can lead to reduced stress and increased motivation to deliver high-quality work.

Invest in Customized Career Development

Showing commitment to your team’s growth speaks volumes. Tailoring career development plans, offering training sessions, or sponsoring courses not only sharpens skills but also signals that you prioritize their long-term success.

Employees who see a clear path for advancement within the company are more likely to stay engaged and motivated. This goes double for ambitious, high-performing employees. Also, this kind of recognition goes beyond a one-time award because it offers ongoing motivation through continuous personal and professional development.

Keep it Personal

Finally, whatever award or reward you choose for your employees, remember to keep it personal. Research shows that the most effective form of recognition is individualized, authentic, and honest, meaning it has to actually be meaningful to each individual employee. 

So, whether it’s a trophy, a gift card, or something else entirely, adding a personal touch (like referencing a specific achievement or tailoring the reward to a known interest) can make a huge difference. Adding diverse and thoughtful rewards can also reinforce employee motivation. Consider surprising your team with something unexpected, like a BloomsyBox flower delivery subscription, which symbolizes growth and adds a fresh touch to the work environment.

And remember, by tailoring approaches to your team’s unique dynamics, you’re not just boosting morale; you’re laying the groundwork for sustained success.