Incentive Programs that really work Claire Ginther HR magazine Aug. 2000

“ A truly effective incentive program marries company philosophy with a “feel-good” factor”

Company Philosophy What is your organization’s style? What do your employees respond to? Do they seem to enjoy small or large gatherings? Do you know certain employees who would be mortified if singled out in front of a large group? Is peer recognition important to them? Or being noticed by management, or both?

“Feel-good” Factor Pay attention to the details involved in executing the incentive plan –Example: What would happen if an employee or group consistently won the awards?

Successful incentive programs have to: Support the company’s goals Be communicated Be measurable Have realistic goals Be consistently applied

“Rewards must be something the employee believes is a real accomplishment and is really noticed by others. If you can achieve that, you’re going to have a very successful recognition system.” – Pat Higgins, HR director at Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium