Four strategies to build employee rewards and recognition

As organisations balance remote working, productivity, employee well-being and satisfaction, creating a positive environment and culture is the need of the hour. Office camaraderie is missed by everyone, therefore this is the right time to have a dedicated strategy to engage with employees who are working from home. Digital technologies can be instrumental in significantly improving the employee experience and building engagement in a hybrid work arrangement. 

Digitisation of employee rewards and recognition programmes can further drive productivity and business results while also boosting employee morale and wellbeing. With continuous evolution in business and employee needs, these programmes need to stay effective and relevant. It is recommended that organisations pivot their strategies to orchestrate this digital transformation through rewards and recognition programmes.

Here are four digital rewards and recognition strategies to increase employee engagement:

Filling the travel gap with experiential rewards – Travel as a reward is a one-of-a-kind experience and cannot be replaced with anything equivalent in these challenging times. However, there is an opportunity for organisations to fill this gap with experiential rewards. For example, digital gift cards for home beauty & wellness services, home deliveries from hyper-local services, or any e-commerce site where employees can opt for no contact delivery. For team engagement, a virtual lunch delivery programme could be initiated that enables employees to “get together” remotely while working from home.

Gamification for effective employee engagement – Gamification has become a ubiquitous HR trend - why not gamify the reward and recognition programmes? To make the workplace more exciting, rewarding, and collaborative, incorporate employee gamification strategies into non-gaming situations. Create a leaderboard, certificates, and titles for recognition in different areas of employees’ work-life. Making recognition an instantaneous and ongoing affair will also foster interest and drive more effective performance by your employees. Irrefutably, gamification can also make it easier for organisations to quantify and regulate their rewards & recognition programmes.

Personalise virtual rewards - The pandemic has pulled the plug on office outings and celebrations. However, it has provided an alternate way to thank team members who make things possible. A personalised reward builds a stronger employer-employee connect. For example, customising rewards for a bibliophile who would prefer an online ebooks subscription instead of providing a gift voucher from an e-commerce apparel store.

Energising employees using virtual wellness rewards – With people going beyond their personal and professional commitments, remote working has significantly affected mental well-being. Introducing long-term virtual wellness programs can have an enduring effect on the body and mind. Companies that prioritise employee wellness will create a happier and healthier remote workforce. 

With technology driving our every day, well-thought-out digital reward and recognition programmes can make a meaningful impact and a positive difference in employees’ lives. The leadership and Human Resources department have a key role to keep their workforce engaged and motivated; embedding a culture of recognition by adopting a tech-first approach can support your organisation well into the future. 

This article was first published in April 2021.