A recent news story by Barnett Wright of The Birmingham News described how the Jefferson County Commission reinstated employee merit pay raises for approximately 1,345 county employees. The term merit pay implies the extra pay was based on successful activities by the employees. The focus of this article is not on the largest county in Alabama's financial problems and the somewhat contradictory restoration of employee merit pay. However, merit pay that is implemented correctly is a form of reward and recognition. Reward and recognition programs lead to organizational improvement.
Using various types of reward and recognition programs in businesses help engage employees. Reward programs typically include the tangible items provided to employees for performing at higher levels. Annual merit pay raises and performance-based bonuses are examples of rewarding employees for their performance. Gift cards, extra time off with pay, and meals are other rewards employers can use to engage their employees.
Recognition programs involve such items as certificates of achievement, letters of recognition, thank you cards, verbal praise, and special parking places. By acknowledging the successes of employees, business leaders can engage their employees. Engaged employees feel closer to their organizations and are more apt to continue to perform at higher levels.
Engagement activities, such as the reward and recognition programs described above, provide employees with incentive to perform at higher levels. The reward and recognition programs should be contingent upon successful individual performance in order to be effective. By reinforcing the behaviors and associated results, organizations can create atmospheres of increased productivity and overall improvement.
Comments