WHEN it comes to rewarding employees, money is the answer.

Money remains the top incentive when wanting to give workers credit for their hard work. Forty-six per cent of managers agree, according to a survey by Accountemps, a staffing service that questioned at least 1,400 respondents.

“Performance-based bonuses can be a powerful tool for motivating and retaining employees,” says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. “For those employees who have taken on added responsibilities as a result of staff cutbacks, offering some form of cash recognition can go a long way in demonstrating that these extra efforts are valued.”

The other top incentives for employees are time off, a departmental lunch or social gathering, and tickets to a sporting or entertainment event. These options can be used as alternative rewards if companies cannot afford to give out bonuses — they still acknowledge appreciation for good work.

“When resources are limited, budget-friendly ways to reward staff, such as extra time off after a major project ends or a department celebration when meeting an important milestone, can help boost spirits and motivate teams,” adds Messmer.

— Creators News Service