Strategic Recognition | A Balanced Approach ⚖️

Hello HR Leaders! 👋

Welcome to the second series of a very Special Edition of HR Brain Pickings –where we are zooming in on employee recognition: is it a strategy or just another perk? 🤔 

This time, we're looking at monetary versus non-monetary rewards - which one is more impactful? 🔍️ 

Tapping into the rich insights from "The Power of Rewards and Recognition 2024" report, let's dissect what can truly motivate employees - and how we can use these insights to drive employee engagement and satisfaction. 😌 

The Psychology Behind Employee Motivation 🕵️ 

Before we get into the insights and findings from our report, let’s try to understand what it is that motivates employees on a daily basis.

According to the Self Determination Theory, employees can be motivated by two big factors:

🌟 Intrinsic Motivation - This is all about internal drive - when you want to do something just because you love it. When employees are intrinsically motivated, they find genuine fulfillment in the work itself.

For these individuals, hearing "Hey, you're doing a fantastic job!" can significantly amplify their motivation, acting as a powerful acknowledgment of their passion and efforts. 🤗 

💼 Extrinsic Motivation - On the flip side, sometimes external factors take center stage in boosting motivation. Think of bonuses and promotions.

We can't overlook the undeniable influence of financial incentives in motivating employees. The added motivation an employee feels when they receive a "Fantastic work! Here's a bonus for your outstanding effort," serves as both a token of appreciation and a tangible reward. 💶 .

Understanding that motivation isn't monolithic allows us to appreciate the nuanced debate between monetary and non-monetary rewards. ⚖️ 

This sets the stage perfectly for our deep dive into the dynamics of monetary and non-monetary rewards, highlighting the significance of each in boosting employee motivation. 📈 

Diving Into the Data: What We Discovered 📈

Monetary Rewards: The Tangible Motivator 💵

According to our latest findings, 59% of professionals believe that monetary rewards significantly drive engagement.

I mean - everyone loves a bonus right? 💰️ This aligns with the universal appeal of financial incentives – they are straightforward, quantifiable, and offer immediate satisfaction.

Non-Monetary Rewards: The Emotional Connectors 💌

However, there's a different kind of currency that's gaining traction – the currency of appreciation. 💲 

Surprisingly, a notable 41% of our respondents place their bets on non-monetary rewards instead. 💷

Why? Because recognizing someone's hard work doesn't always need a price tag. They build a kind of emotional paycheck and foster a sense of belonging that - believe it or not, money can't always buy. 🤷 

What Else Does the Data Say? 📊

➡️ A Culture of Recognition 🔁 Loyalty: The data also reveals that a strong culture of recognition correlates with increased loyalty, with 85% stating they are more likely to stay at a company that appreciates them. 🤗 

➡️ The Gap in Daily Recognition: Despite the known benefits, our findings expose a recognition gap, with only 22% of employees receiving daily acknowledgment, and 33% on a monthly basis. 👎️ 

➡️ The Impact on Job Satisfaction: While both monetary and non-monetary rewards might seem straightforward, their impact on job satisfaction is profound, with an impressive 62% of respondents reporting an increase in job satisfaction as a result of regular recognition.

➡️ Feeling Valued is Key: An overwhelming 90% of employees report feeling more valued when their contributions are acknowledged. This sentiment of being appreciated goes beyond mere satisfaction, revealing a fundamental human need for recognition. 😇 

This data clearly illustrates a strong link between various forms of recognition, be it cash or kudos, and the positive impact on employee engagement. 🤝 

Striking the Perfect Balance ⚖️

The key takeaway? It's all about balance. Create a rewards strategy that's as unique as your team, combining the tangible benefits of monetary rewards with the personal touch of non-monetary ones. 🤹 

Our data reveals that a thoughtful combination of monetary and non-monetary rewards not only boosts employee motivation but also fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty that is crucial for long-term engagement and retention. 🌟 

Start Recognizing with EngageWith

Unsure of where to start? Talk to an expert → Book a discovery call with the EngageWith team

Eager for More Insights? 🌟

Dive into the full "The Power of Rewards and Recognition 2024" report for an in-depth analysis, equipping you with data that can help you understand the true impact of a well-rounded rewards strategy.. 👇️ 

Your Turn: Reflections and Actions 🎯

Inspired to revamp your recognition strategy? Here's how you can leverage the insights from our report:

• Start by evaluating your current rewards program. Does it offer a balanced mix of monetary and non-monetary rewards?

• Consider introducing peer recognition programs to foster a culture of appreciation across all levels.

• Don't underestimate the power of personalization. Tailor rewards and recognition to fit the individual achievements and motivations of your team members.

We encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions with us.

Coming up Next in this Special Edition: The current state of rewards and Recognition and how we can leverage tools and technology to simplify the act of saying thanks. 🙏