10 Year Round Perks that Your Employees Will Look Forward to in 2017
Many companies consider the office Christmas party as the most fun and highly anticipated part of their incentive programs for employees. Thus, a lot of preparation goes into it.
From conceptualizing a theme, planning the program of events, choosing a provider for the venue, food, drinks, and giveaways, forming an awards committee, and many other details for what is touted as the highlight of the year.
While this is definitely something to be appreciated, what companies sometimes miss is that the reward system should be evenly spread out not only during the holidays but all year round. The festive mood of Christmas should only make the year-end party a little more special, but it should not stifle your company from coming up with other ways to show appreciation for all the hard work done by everyone since day one.
Here are year-round employee reward ideas that you can use next year.
Year-Round Perks for Employees
If you’re feeling generous and looking to give more than the traditional Christmas incentive, you might get inspiration from these reward ideas:
- Allot a number of hours, or an entire day, when employees can take their pets to work.
Pets are known to enhance productivity and lift positive emotions of employees. This could also be a way for pet owners to connect with other pet lovers in the workplace, helping everyone raise their level of engagement with one another.
- Send employees to do volunteer work.
The Christmas season is the perfect time to share, whether in kind or by giving goods. Chances are, your employees would love to have their share of spreading the holiday cheer. Add to it the fact that they can do something else instead of spending another usual day at work.
- Give out bonuses in advance.
The holidays can cause one to break the bank, and employees are hoping that employers would come to rescue their travel plans or shopping spree with an early bonus pay. It can also be frustrating for your employees to be left out by their peers who have already received their 13th-month pay.
- Give your employees an extra paid vacation leave.
Everyone could use an additional day off from work to attend reunions or parties with family and friends, which do not seem to end during the holiday season. This act of generosity will definitely bring good tidings to your employees.
- Sponsor an outdoor activity for employees and their families.
Quite often, budget and time constraints prevent workers from going on a trip with their family. You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to sponsor such plans. If you’re in the travel industry, for example, you might arrange some hotel deals with your business partners, who will most likely be happy to help with your work incentive program.
- Allow flexible schedules at work.
Things at home can get crazy busy around the holidays, but having flexible working hours can help employees avoid being absent at work or missing out on their children’s school program or other important family activities.
- Ease up on the dress code.
From time to time, allow your employees to drop the dress code or your prescribed office uniform and let them wear whatever suits their fancy (as long as they don’t go overboard). This will help them relax at work and move freely in the office.
- Give away vouchers.
This is a favorite among many employees since vouchers are as good as cash. Have some restaurant vouchers for gastrophiles, and spa or gym vouchers for those who want to relax or workout at their favorite place. Movie tickets, free coffee, and cellphone credits are yet other good options.
- Don’t forget the goodies.
Pre-packed grocery baskets are one of the favorite things that employees like to bring home to their families. Choose a package that contains an assortment of goods like chocolates, chips, wine, cookies, snacks, and the like to make sure that everyone in the family gets a treat.
- Reserve individual awards for deserving employees.
Whether it’s the most productive employee or the always-present employee, make sure to recognize team members who stand out for their dedication or competence at work. Just make sure you’re completely transparent about your criteria and the selection process.
Whichever way you choose to reward your employees, it’s important that they feel a sense of achievement and appreciation for the work they have contributed to the company. Celebrate the year that was with them, and build up their more positive outlook for the coming year.